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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
Exploration of Site-Specific Drug Targeting-A Review on EPR-, Stimuli-, Chemical-, and Receptor-Based Approaches as
Md Shamiul Islam Rasel1, Farhana Afrin Mohona1, Wahida Akter2
1Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Shahbag, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.
Abstract:
Cancer has been one of the most dominant causes of mortality globally over the last few decades. In cancer treatment, the selective targeting of tumor cells is indispensable, making it a better replacement for conventional chemotherapies by diminishing their adverse side effects. While designing a drug to be delivered selectively in the target organ, the drug development scientists should focus on various factors such as the type of cancer they are dealing with according to which drug, targeting moieties, and pharmaceutical carriers should be targeted. All published articles have been collected regarding cancer and drug-targeting approaches from well reputed databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, and Springer. The articles published between January 2010 and December 2020 were considered. Due to the existence of various mechanisms, it is challenging to choose which one is appropriate for a specific case. Moreover, a combination of more than one approach is often utilized to achieve optimal drug effects. In this review, we have summarized and highlighted central mechanisms of how the targeted drug delivery system works in the specific diseased microenvironment, along with the strategies to make an approach more effective. We have also included some pictorial illustrations to have a precise idea about different types of drug targeting. The core contribution of this work includes providing a cancer drug development scientist with a broad preliminary idea to choose the appropriate approach among the various targeted drug delivery mechanisms. Also, the study will contribute to improving anticancer treatment approaches by providing a pathway for lesser side effects observed in conventional chemotherapeutic techniques.
Insights
Targeted drug delivery systems offer a promising alternative to conventional chemotherapy for cancer treatment. This review summarizes mechanisms and strategies for effective targeted drug delivery, aiming to reduce side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, necessitating improved treatment strategies.
- Conventional chemotherapy has significant adverse side effects due to lack of selectivity.
- Targeted drug delivery aims to selectively deliver therapeutic agents to tumor cells, minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the central mechanisms of targeted drug delivery systems in the context of the tumor microenvironment.
- To highlight strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of targeted drug delivery approaches.
- To provide cancer drug development scientists with a preliminary guide for selecting appropriate targeted delivery mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, Springer).
- Articles published between January 2010 and December 2020 focusing on cancer and drug-targeting approaches were included.
- The review synthesizes information on various targeted drug delivery mechanisms and their application in cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Targeted drug delivery systems operate through diverse mechanisms within the specific diseased microenvironment.
- Optimizing targeted approaches often involves combining multiple strategies for enhanced therapeutic effects.
- Pictorial illustrations are provided to clarify different types of drug targeting mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- This review offers a broad overview for scientists developing cancer drugs, aiding in the selection of suitable targeted delivery methods.
- The findings contribute to advancing anticancer treatments by outlining pathways to mitigate the side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy.
- Effective implementation of targeted drug delivery holds significant potential for improving patient outcomes in cancer care.
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