Carbohydrate polymers in cancer theranostics: Smart solutions for advanced diagnosis and therapy

The versatility and chemical flexibility of polymeric carbohydrates have significantly advanced the field of cancer therapy and theranostics. The controlled release, biodegradability, and biocompatibility of these polymers are currently being researched intensively for their utility in targeted drug delivery systems for the treatment of breast and colon cancer, among others. Due to their abundance, low in vivo toxicity, and amenability to functionalization, these polymers are becoming more and more popular as therapeutic nanoparticles and as nanoplatforms for simultaneous drug delivery and imaging. Functionalized carbohydrate polymers can improve the accuracy of cancer detection using molecular imaging methods. The fusion of imaging modalities with drug delivery systems enables a controlled and targeted release of drugs, hence improving therapeutic efficacy with fewer side effects. The inherent immunomodulatory property of such systems also enables modulation of immune cell function and restoration of the tumor microenvironment, hence facilitating anti-cancer immunity. Through stimulus-responsive mechanisms, advanced polymeric systems can respond to the specific conditions within individual tumors, enhancing cancer treatment efficacy. Advances in glycobiology and nanotechnology have improved the potential of carbohydrate polymers, and identified as potential candidates for next-generation cancer theranostics. Future research and translation of findings to clinical applications will likely result in more personalized and effective ways of treating cancer.