Natural polysaccharides as drug delivery system in colorectal cancer therapy

Natural polysaccharides are a promising material for the design of drug delivery systems (DDS). Due to their properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, chemical modifiability, and specific interactions with target cells, polysaccharides enable the development of carriers with high selectivity and controlled release of active substances. They are particularly important in the context of targeted therapy for gastrointestinal cancers. This is especially relevant for colorectal cancer, one of the most common and deadly cancers, whose microenvironment is favorable for the use of DDS. Polysaccharides such as pectins, guar gum, cellulose, chitosan, cyclodextrins, and alginate demonstrate the ability to form encapsulates capable of effectively delivering chemotherapeutics directly to cancer cells, thereby reducing systemic toxicity. This article discusses the physicochemical properties of selected natural polysaccharides and presents examples of their clinical application in the treatment of colorectal cancer, highlighting their potential in the development of anticancer therapies.