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Innovative Delivery and Release Systems for Antioxidants and Other Active Substances in the Treatment of Cancer
Zerrin Sezgin-Bayindir1, Sonia Losada-Barreiro2, Sofía Fernández-Bravo3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara 06560, Turkey.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the major diseases leading to death worldwide, and the fight against the disease is still challenging. Cancer diseases are usually associated with increased oxidative stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as a result of metabolic alterations or signaling aberrations. While numerous antioxidants exhibit potential therapeutic properties, their clinical efficiency against cancer is limited and even unproven. Conventional anticancer antioxidants and drugs have, among others, the great disadvantage of low bioavailability, poor targeting efficiency, and serious side effects, constraining their use in the fight against diseases. Here, we review the rationale for and recent advances in potential delivery systems that could eventually be employed in clinical research on antioxidant therapy in cancer. We also review some of the various strategies aimed at enhancing the solubility of poorly water-soluble active drugs, including engineered delivery systems such as lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic formulations. The use of cyclodextrins, micro- and nanoemulsions, and thermosensitive smart liposomes as useful systems for the delivery and release of poorly aqueous-soluble drugs, improving their bioactivity and stability, is also addressed. We also provide some details on their formulation processes and their use in a variety of medical applications. Finally, we briefly cover a case study specifically focused on the use of delivery systems to minimize oral cancer and associated dental problems.
Insights
Antioxidant therapy for cancer faces challenges due to poor drug delivery. Novel delivery systems, including lipid-based and polymeric formulations, show promise for improving antioxidant efficacy and reducing side effects in cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer is a leading global cause of death, often linked to increased oxidative stress.
- Conventional antioxidant therapies for cancer suffer from low bioavailability, poor targeting, and significant side effects.
- Existing treatments highlight the need for advanced drug delivery systems to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in delivery systems for antioxidant therapy in cancer treatment.
- To explore strategies for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs.
- To discuss the clinical potential of various engineered delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on antioxidant therapy and drug delivery systems for cancer.
- Analysis of engineered delivery systems: lipid-based, polymeric, inorganic formulations, cyclodextrins, micro/nanoemulsions, and thermosensitive liposomes.
- Examination of formulation processes and medical applications, including a case study on oral cancer.
Main Results:
- Engineered delivery systems can significantly enhance the solubility, bioactivity, and stability of poorly water-soluble drugs.
- Lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic formulations offer potential for targeted antioxidant delivery.
- Specific systems like cyclodextrins and liposomes demonstrate improved drug performance and reduced toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Advanced delivery systems are crucial for overcoming the limitations of conventional antioxidant cancer therapy.
- Engineered formulations hold significant promise for improving the clinical efficacy and safety of anticancer antioxidants.
- Further research and clinical translation of these delivery systems are warranted for effective cancer treatment.
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