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Enteral Route Nanomedicine for Cancer Therapy
Lin-Zhu Zhang1, Rui-Jie Du1, Duo Wang1
1Center of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Nurturing Center of Jiangsu Province for State Laboratory of AI Imaging & Interventional Radiology (Southeast University), Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Center of Ministry of Education, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
With the in-depth knowledge of the pathological and physiological characteristics of the intestinal barrier-portal vein/intestinal lymphatic vessels-systemic circulation axis, oral targeted drug delivery is frequently being renewed. With many advantages, such as high safety, convenient administration, and good patient compliance, many researchers have begun to explore targeted drug delivery from intravenous injections to oral administration. Over the past few decades, the fields of materials science and nanomedicine have produced various drug delivery platforms that hold great potential in overcoming the multiple barriers associated with oral drug delivery. However, the oral transport of particles into the systemic circulation is extremely difficult due to immune rejection and biochemical invasion in the intestine, which limits absorption and entry into the bloodstream. The feasibility of the oral delivery of targeted drugs to sites outside the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is unknown. This article reviews the biological barriers to drug absorption, the in vivo fate and transport mechanisms of drug carriers, the theoretical basis for oral administration, and the impact of carrier structural evolution on oral administration to achieve this goal. Finally, this article reviews the characteristics of different nano-delivery systems that can enhance the bioavailability of oral therapeutics and highlights their applications in the efficient creation of oral anticancer nanomedicines.
Insights
Oral targeted drug delivery faces challenges due to intestinal barriers. Nanomedicine offers potential solutions for enhanced oral bioavailability, particularly for anticancer therapeutics, improving safety and patient compliance.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Materials Science
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- The intestinal barrier-portal vein/intestinal lymphatic vessels-systemic circulation axis presents significant challenges for oral drug delivery.
- Despite advantages like safety and convenience, oral administration faces hurdles like immune rejection and biochemical invasion, limiting systemic absorption.
- The potential for oral targeted drug delivery beyond the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review biological barriers affecting oral drug absorption.
- To explore in vivo fate and transport mechanisms of oral drug carriers.
- To examine the impact of carrier structural evolution on oral administration efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of biological barriers to oral drug absorption.
- Analysis of in vivo fate and transport mechanisms of drug carriers.
- Evaluation of nano-delivery systems for enhancing oral bioavailability.
Main Results:
- Nanomedicine and materials science have developed platforms to overcome oral delivery barriers.
- Understanding carrier structural evolution is crucial for improving oral administration.
- Various nano-delivery systems demonstrate potential in enhancing oral therapeutic bioavailability.
Conclusions:
- Oral targeted drug delivery is a promising alternative to injections, offering improved safety and compliance.
- Nano-delivery systems are key to overcoming intestinal barriers and enhancing oral bioavailability.
- This review highlights the application of nanomedicines in developing effective oral anticancer therapeutics.
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