Recent advances in anticancer drug-membrane interactions: insights from Langmuir monolayers and molecular dynamics...

This review aims to provide an overview of recent studies on anticancer drug-cell membrane interactions using Langmuir monolayers (LMs) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Cancer is a disease with high global incidence, and the prognosis remains concerning, with the World Health Organization predicting further increases in the coming years. However, substantial progress has been made in recent decades, particularly regarding the lipid composition of cell membranes. Cancer cell membranes are now known to have lipid profiles distinct from those of healthy cells, offering opportunities for new biomarkers and earlier diagnosis. Membranes serve as the first barrier that anticancer drugs must overcome, making their study vital to understanding drug mechanisms and resistance. Simplified models such as liposomes, micelles, and Langmuir monolayers have long been used to mimic biological membranes. Recent research has improved these models by incorporating the unique lipid compositions of cancerous and healthy cells, as well as by investigating novel anticancer agents, including drug nanocarriers. Advances in Langmuir monolayer techniques, coupled with complementary methods, allow for a deeper exploration of drug effects on membranes, enabling a distinction between their impacts on cancer and healthy cells. Computational tools, such as molecular dynamics simulations, further enrich our understanding by providing molecular-level insights into drug-membrane interactions. Integrating experimental and computational findings is essential for uncovering mechanisms of action and addressing drug resistance. These advances collectively contribute to the development of more effective anticancer therapies and to refining our understanding of the complex interplay between anticancer drugs and cell membranes.