Nanoparticle-mediated active and passive drug targeting in oral squamous cell carcinoma: current trends and advances

Jyothsna Manikkath1, Aparna Manikkath2, Hitesh Lad1

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka State, 576104, India.

PubMed

Insights

This review covers novel nanoparticle platforms and oncolytic viruses for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment, aiming to overcome limitations of current therapies like chemotherapy for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nanomedicine
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) presents a significant health challenge with poor survival rates using conventional treatments.
  • Current therapies like chemotherapy face limitations due to drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in OSCC treatment strategies.
  • To explore the potential of various nanoplatforms and targeted therapies for improved OSCC management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and other nanostructures.
  • Examination of targeted delivery systems including receptor-specific targeting (e.g., folic acid, gastrin-releasing peptide receptors).
  • Inclusion of gene therapy and oncolytic viruses as emerging therapeutic candidates.

Main Results:

  • Nanoparticle platforms offer potential for targeted drug delivery, reduced toxicity, and enhanced efficacy in OSCC.
  • Targeted therapies show promise in selectively delivering agents to cancer cells, minimizing off-target effects.
  • Oncolytic viruses represent a novel approach with potential for direct tumor lysis and immune stimulation.

Conclusions:

  • Advanced nanomedicine and targeted delivery systems, alongside oncolytic viruses, present promising avenues for overcoming current OSCC treatment challenges.
  • Further research and clinical translation are needed to realize the full therapeutic potential of these innovative approaches for oral cancer.