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Local delivery to malignant brain tumors: potential biomaterial-based therapeutic/adjuvant strategies
Majed Alghamdi1,2, Mark Gumbleton1, Ben Newland1,3
1School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK. newlandb@cardiff.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant brain tumor and is associated with a very poor prognosis. The standard treatment for newly diagnosed patients involves total tumor surgical resection (if possible), plus irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy. Despite treatment, the prognosis is still poor, and the tumor often recurs within two centimeters of the original tumor. A promising approach to improving the efficacy of GBM therapeutics is to utilize biomaterials to deliver them locally at the tumor site. Local delivery to GBM offers several advantages over systemic administration, such as bypassing the blood-brain barrier and increasing the bioavailability of the therapeutic at the tumor site without causing systemic toxicity. Local delivery may also combat tumor recurrence by maintaining sufficient drug concentrations at and surrounding the original tumor area. Herein, we critically appraised the literature on local delivery systems based within the following categories: polymer-based implantable devices, polymeric injectable systems, and hydrogel drug delivery systems. We also discussed the negative effect of hypoxia on treatment strategies and how one might utilize local implantation of oxygen-generating biomaterials as an adjuvant to enhance current therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Local delivery systems using biomaterials offer a promising strategy to improve glioblastoma (GBM) treatment efficacy. These systems can enhance drug bioavailability and combat tumor recurrence by delivering therapeutics directly to the brain tumor site.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Neuro-oncology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis despite standard treatments like surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy.
- Tumor recurrence is common, often occurring near the original site, highlighting the need for improved therapeutic strategies.
- Systemic drug administration faces challenges, including the blood-brain barrier and potential systemic toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically appraise the literature on biomaterial-based local delivery systems for glioblastoma (GBM).
- To explore polymer-based implantable devices, polymeric injectable systems, and hydrogel drug delivery systems for GBM therapy.
- To discuss the role of hypoxia in GBM treatment and the potential of oxygen-generating biomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical appraisal of studies on local delivery systems for GBM.
- Categorization of delivery systems into polymer-based implants, injectable polymers, and hydrogels.
- Discussion of hypoxia's impact and oxygen-generating biomaterials as an adjuvant therapy.
Main Results:
- Local delivery systems bypass the blood-brain barrier, increasing therapeutic bioavailability at the tumor site.
- Local delivery can maintain therapeutic concentrations around the tumor, potentially combating recurrence.
- Hypoxia negatively affects GBM treatment, suggesting a role for oxygen-generating biomaterials.
Conclusions:
- Biomaterial-based local delivery systems represent a promising approach to enhance GBM treatment efficacy and overcome limitations of systemic administration.
- Further research into various local delivery platforms, including hydrogels and implantable devices, is warranted.
- Integrating oxygen-generating biomaterials may offer an effective adjuvant strategy to improve current GBM therapeutic outcomes.
