Chitosan-Based Materials: A Comprehensive Review on Anticancer Drug Development

Cancer remains one of the most formidable global health threats, responsible for millions of deaths annually due to the uncontrolled proliferation and spread of abnormal cells. The development of effective anticancer therapies is crucial, as anticancer drugs target key cellular mechanisms, including DNA replication, apoptosis, and essential signaling pathways. In this context, chitosan (CT) has emerged as a promising biomaterial for advancing cancer treatment. With its unique combination of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility, CT is gaining significant attention as a platform for developing innovative drug delivery systems. Recent research has highlighted the potential of CT-based materials to enhance drug efficacy by enabling controlled release, improving bioavailability, and facilitating targeted tumor delivery. Further modifications to CT, such as carboxymethylation, sulfation, and graft copolymerization, have significantly expanded its application in cancer therapy, allowing for more efficient encapsulation of chemotherapeutic agents, reducing systemic toxicity, and combating multidrug resistance. This review focuses on the latest developments (2021-2024) in CT-based materials for anticancer drug delivery, exploring their design principles, therapeutic mechanisms, and clinical applications. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges faced in translating these promising systems to clinical practice and highlights future strategies for optimizing CT-based therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment.