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Natural polymeric nanocarriers in malignant glioma drug delivery and targeting
Yuan Gao1, Rui Wang1, Lixia Zhao2
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Abstract:
Among all central nervous diseases, malignant glioma is a crucial part that deserves more attention since high fatality and disability rate. There are several therapeutic strategies applied to the treatment of malignant glioma, especially certain chemotherapy-related treatments. However, the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) seriously hinders the strategy's progress, so how to escape from the barriers is a fascinating question. Herein, we comprehensively discussed the details of malignant glioma and the BBB's functional morphology and summarised several routes bypassing the BBB. Additionally, since possessing excellent properties for drug delivery, we provided an insight into various promising natural polymeric materials and highlighted their applications in the treatment of malignant glioma.
Insights
Malignant glioma treatment is challenged by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This review explores BBB bypassing strategies and natural polymers for effective malignant glioma therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Biomaterials Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant glioma presents a significant health challenge due to its high mortality and disability rates.
- Current therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy, are often limited by the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the intricacies of malignant glioma and the functional morphology of the BBB.
- To review strategies for overcoming BBB limitations in glioma treatment.
- To explore the potential of natural polymeric materials in drug delivery for malignant glioma.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on malignant glioma.
- Analysis of the blood-brain barrier's structure and function.
- Evaluation of drug delivery routes bypassing the BBB.
- Assessment of natural polymeric materials for therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- The BBB poses a substantial obstacle to effective malignant glioma treatment.
- Several methods for bypassing the BBB have been identified.
- Natural polymeric materials exhibit promising properties for drug delivery systems.
Conclusions:
- Understanding BBB morphology is key to developing new therapeutic strategies.
- Bypassing the BBB is crucial for improving treatment efficacy.
- Natural polymers offer a viable platform for advanced drug delivery in malignant glioma treatment.
