Recent Advances and Opportunities in Cancer Cell Targeting by Surface Decoration: A Review

Recently, polymeric systems have emerged as the most practical and adaptable delivery method for targeted cancer therapy. Surface functionalization of polymers is one of the delivery methods of targeted drugs. For instance, to increase the selectivity and affinity of polymers for cancer cells, targeting moieties are covalently bonded on their surface. The surface decoration of polymers with a particular tumor-homing ligand, such as an antibody, an antibody fragment, a peptide, an aptamer, a polysaccharide, a saccharide, folic acid, etc. may also increase drug retention and accumulation in the tumor vasculature as well as promote efficient internalization by target tumor cells. This study discusses the recent development of polymeric systems coupled with particular targeting ligands for cancer cell targeting. Additionally, attention is given to the various polymers utilized in cancer therapy and how their surface decoration contributes to cancer cell targeting. We conclude that the surface- modified polymeric system in cancer cell targeting has emerged as a promising platform for safe and effective cancer therapy with the potential to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects.