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Smart Cells Against Cancer: Advances in Cell-Based Drug Delivery and Diagnostics

Lisa Gherardini1, Giovanni Inzalaco2, Sara Gargiulo1

  • 1Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica (IFC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 53100 Siena, Italy.

Pharmaceutics
|January 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Cell-based drug delivery uses cells to transport anticancer agents, improving cancer treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. This approach enhances drug targeting and circulation, particularly for brain tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Oncology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Cell-based drug delivery offers improved therapeutic targeting and reduced systemic toxicity for anticancer agents.
  • Conventional chemotherapy faces limitations due to off-target activity and non-specific distribution, leading to severe side effects.
  • Cellular carriers can evade immune clearance, prolong circulation, and enhance pharmacokinetic profiles for better therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current state of cell-mediated drug delivery in oncology.
  • To emphasize fundamental principles and practical applications of this therapeutic strategy.
  • To highlight innovations for theranostic potential, especially for challenging sites like the brain.

Main Methods:

  • Surveying the literature on cell-mediated drug delivery in cancer therapy.
  • Discussing the design and preparation of cellular carriers.
  • Examining characteristics of commonly used cell types and recent technological advancements.

Main Results:

  • Cellular carriers offer enhanced drug delivery, improved pharmacokinetics, and reduced toxicity in preclinical and clinical settings.
  • Specific cell types demonstrate unique advantages for drug delivery, including homing capabilities.
  • Technological innovations are expanding the potential of cell-based systems for targeted cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Cell-based drug delivery represents a promising frontier in oncology, offering enhanced efficacy and safety.
  • Further research into cellular carrier design and optimization is crucial for clinical translation.
  • This strategy holds significant potential for treating challenging cancers, including those affecting the central nervous system.
Keywords:
cancercellular carrierdrug deliveryglioblastoma

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