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Targeted nanodrug delivery strategies for precision chemotherapy in prostate cancer
Tianfeng Bi1,2, Xiaoyu Wang3, Lili Chen2
1School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies globally, with chemotherapy remaining a cornerstone treatment for advanced and metastatic cases. However, traditional chemotherapy is limited by poor targeting, low bioavailability, and systemic toxicity, necessitating the development of precise chemotherapy strategies. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising platform to address these limitations by enabling targeted drug delivery. This review systematically synthesises advancements in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems and their targeting strategies, emphasising their application in prostate cancer therapy. Active targeting approaches leverage cell membrane receptors, such as prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), folate receptor, transferrin receptor, and CD44, as biomarkers. Corresponding ligands, including PSMA ligands, folate derivatives, transferrin, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate, and DUP-1, are used to modify nanocarriers, conferring precise targeting capabilities to loaded chemotherapeutics. Additionally, bioinspired strategies employing cell membrane encapsulation and magnetic field-guided delivery are discussed. Meanwhile, the review comprehensively summarises the research advancements of nanodelivery systems in combination therapy involving chemotherapy and radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and other modalities. Through a categorised analysis of the developments and challenges of these nanotechnologies, this review intends to furnish references and new orientations for the research and application of precise chemotherapy in prostate cancer.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers precise chemotherapy for prostate cancer by improving drug targeting and reducing toxicity. This review explores advanced nanodelivery systems and targeting strategies for enhanced cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a prevalent global malignancy requiring effective chemotherapy for advanced stages.
- Traditional chemotherapy faces challenges like poor targeting, low bioavailability, and systemic toxicity.
- Nanotechnology presents a solution for precise, targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for prostate cancer therapy.
- To highlight active targeting strategies using specific biomarkers and ligands.
- To explore combination therapies and future research directions in nanodelivery for prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of advancements in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems.
- Analysis of active targeting strategies utilizing biomarkers like PSMA, folate receptor, transferrin receptor, and CD44.
- Discussion of bioinspired strategies (cell membrane encapsulation, magnetic guidance) and combination therapies (radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy).
Main Results:
- Nanocarriers modified with ligands (e.g., PSMA ligands, folate) enable precise targeting of prostate cancer cells.
- Bioinspired and magnetic field-guided delivery systems show promise for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
- Combination therapies integrating nanodelivery systems with other treatment modalities offer synergistic effects.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology significantly enhances chemotherapy precision and efficacy in prostate cancer treatment.
- Targeted nanodelivery systems overcome limitations of traditional chemotherapy, reducing side effects.
- Further research into nanotechnologies and combination therapies is crucial for advancing prostate cancer care.
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