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Insight into lipid-based nanoplatform-mediated drug and gene delivery in neuro-oncology and their clinical prospects
Manasa Manjunath Hegde1, Puja Sandbhor2, Aishwarya J3
1Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Abstract:
Tumors of the Central nervous System (CNS) are a spectrum of neoplasms that range from benign lesions to highly malignant and aggressive lesions. Despite aggressive multimodal treatment approaches, the morbidity and mortality are high with dismal survival outcomes in these malignant tumors. Moreover, the non-specificity of conventional treatments substantiates the rationale for precise therapeutic strategies that selectively target infiltrating tumor cells within the brain, and minimize systemic and collateral damage. With the recent advancement of nanoplatforms for biomaterials applications, lipid-based nanoparticulate systems present an attractive and breakthrough impact on CNS tumor management. Lipid nanoparticles centered immunotherapeutic agents treating malignant CNS tumors could convene the clear need for precise treatment strategies. Immunotherapeutic agents can selectively induce specific immune responses by active or innate immune responses at the local site within the brain. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic applications of lipid-based nanoplatforms for CNS tumors with an emphasis on revolutionary approaches in brain targeting, imaging, and drug and gene delivery with immunotherapy. Lipid-based nanoparticle platforms represent one of the most promising colloidal carriers for chemotherapeutic, and immunotherapeutic drugs. Their current application in oncology especially in brain tumors has brought about a paradigm shift in cancer treatment by improving the antitumor activity of several agents that could be used to selectively target brain tumors. Subsequently, the lab-to-clinic transformation and challenges towards translational feasibility of lipid-based nanoplatforms for drug and gene/immunotherapy delivery in the context of CNS tumor management is addressed.
Insights
Lipid nanoparticles offer a promising new approach for treating brain tumors by enabling precise delivery of immunotherapy directly to the central nervous system (CNS). This strategy aims to improve treatment efficacy and minimize side effects for patients with malignant CNS tumors.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) tumors present significant treatment challenges due to their location and aggressive nature, often resulting in poor patient outcomes.
- Conventional therapies for CNS tumors lack specificity, leading to systemic toxicity and limited efficacy against infiltrating tumor cells.
- There is a critical need for precise therapeutic strategies to target brain tumors effectively while minimizing collateral damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic applications of lipid-based nanoplatforms for central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
- To highlight advancements in brain targeting, imaging, and drug/gene delivery using lipid nanoparticles for immunotherapy.
- To discuss the translational challenges and future prospects of lipid-based nanoplatforms in CNS tumor management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on lipid-based nanoplatforms in CNS tumor research.
- Analysis of studies detailing brain targeting, imaging, and drug/gene delivery mechanisms.
- Examination of immunotherapy applications utilizing lipid nanoparticles for CNS tumors.
Main Results:
- Lipid-based nanoplatforms show significant potential as effective carriers for chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents in CNS tumors.
- These nanoparticles facilitate targeted delivery, improving antitumor activity and enabling precise treatment strategies.
- Advancements in nanoplatforms are revolutionizing brain tumor treatment by enhancing drug and gene delivery for immunotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Lipid-based nanoplatforms represent a breakthrough in managing malignant CNS tumors, offering a precise and targeted immunotherapeutic approach.
- Their application in oncology, particularly for brain tumors, signifies a paradigm shift towards more effective cancer treatments.
- Further research and development are crucial for the successful translation of these nanotechnologies from the laboratory to clinical practice for CNS tumor management.

