Nanoparticle‑based delivery systems for targeted therapy in brain tumors: Progress, challenges and perspectives...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanomedicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Brain tumors, especially gliomas, are highly lethal due to late diagnosis and ineffective treatments.
• The blood-brain barrier (BBB) significantly restricts the delivery of systemic therapies to brain tumor sites.
• Nanoparticle (NP)-based systems present a novel approach to improve drug accumulation and reduce toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent advancements in nanocarrier technologies for targeted brain tumor therapy.
• To highlight design principles, BBB traversal mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of NPs.
• To discuss emerging applications in gene therapy and the influence of protein corona.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of recent literature on nanocarrier technologies for brain tumor therapy.
• Analysis of various nanocarrier types: liposomes, solid lipid NPs, dendrimers, polymeric NPs, and inorganic nanomaterials.
• Examination of preclinical data on NP design, BBB penetration, and tumor targeting.

Main Results:

• Various nanocarrier platforms show potential for enhanced drug delivery across the BBB.
• NP design principles influence BBB traversal, payload delivery, and tumor targeting efficacy.
• Protein corona formation impacts NP behavior and therapeutic outcomes *in vivo*.

Conclusions:

• Nanoparticle-based strategies hold significant promise for improving brain tumor treatment outcomes.
• Further research is needed to address translational challenges and develop clinically viable nanomedicines.
• Precision-targeted nanomedicines are crucial for advancing the efficacy of brain tumor therapies.