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Polymeric Nanoparticles: Innovative and Promising Tools for Enhanced Cancer Drug Delivery Systems
1Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Cancers characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and metastasis remain a major public health challenge worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the increasing incidence necessitates comprehensive strategies for prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. Drug resistance, often driven by genetic mutations leading to multidrug resistance, remains a major clinical obstacle. The innovative delivery systems such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and exosomes are required to improve therapeutic efficacy. In this review, data from reputable databases and scientific sources such as Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and others, are critically compiled and analyzed. Strict inclusion criteria for peerreviewed studies on polymeric nanoparticles in cancer therapy are applied, covering in vitro, in vivo, and clinical applications, while non-English-language, incomplete, or methodologically weak studies are excluded. Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles such as PLGA, chitosan, and PCL have been shown to improve anticancer drug delivery by enabling precise targeting, reducing systemic toxicity, and overcoming multidrug resistance, with consistent therapeutic benefits observed in all studies. Despite these advances, challenges such as biocompatibility, toxicity, controlled release, tumor heterogeneity, long-term safety, and regulatory hurdles remain unresolved. Overall, nanoparticles represent a promising approach to cancer therapy as they improve drug delivery and minimize side effects, but sustained research and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to fully exploit their potential in oncology.
Insights
Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles enhance cancer drug delivery, improving targeting and reducing toxicity. Further research is essential to overcome challenges and fully realize their oncological potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Nanomedicine
Background:
- Cancer poses a significant global health burden, with increasing incidence in Saudi Arabia.
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) driven by genetic mutations is a major clinical challenge in cancer treatment.
- Innovative drug delivery systems are crucial for enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze the application of polymeric nanoparticles in cancer therapy.
- To assess the potential of these nanoparticles in improving drug delivery and overcoming resistance.
- To identify current challenges and future directions for nanoparticle-based cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of reputable databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scopus).
- Critical analysis of peer-reviewed studies on polymeric nanoparticles in cancer therapy (in vitro, in vivo, clinical).
- Exclusion of non-English, incomplete, or methodologically weak studies.
Main Results:
- Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (e.g., PLGA, chitosan, PCL) improve anticancer drug delivery.
- These nanoparticles enable precise targeting, reduce systemic toxicity, and help overcome multidrug resistance.
- Consistent therapeutic benefits were observed across reviewed studies.
Conclusions:
- Polymeric nanoparticles show significant promise for improving cancer therapy by enhancing drug delivery and minimizing side effects.
- Challenges including biocompatibility, toxicity, controlled release, tumor heterogeneity, long-term safety, and regulatory issues require further investigation.
- Sustained research and interdisciplinary collaboration are vital for maximizing the potential of nanoparticles in oncology.
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