Progress in lactoferrin-based nanocarriers for targeted cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein, is recognized for its potential in targeted cancer therapy.
• LF binds to receptors overexpressed on cancer cells, facilitating receptor-mediated endocytosis for selective drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and application of lactoferrin-based nanocarriers for tumor-targeted drug delivery.
• To assess the efficacy, safety, and future directions of LF-based nanomedicines in preclinical and early clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of various LF-based nanocarrier systems, including nanoparticles, nanoconjugates, coated nanocarriers, nanohybrids, nanogels, and nano-assemblies.
• Evaluation of these nanocarriers in preclinical cancer models (brain, prostate, breast, colorectal, lung).
• Assessment of recombinant human LF's pharmacokinetics and safety in clinical trials.

Main Results:

• LF-based nanocarriers demonstrated enhanced tumor accumulation, improved antitumor efficacy, and reduced side effects in preclinical studies.
• Recombinant human LF showed favorable pharmacokinetics and an excellent safety profile in early clinical trials.
• Various LF nanocarrier designs have been successfully developed and tested.

Conclusions:

• LF-based nanocarriers represent a versatile platform for receptor-mediated, targeted cancer therapy.
• Further research is needed to improve nanoparticle stability, reduce off-target effects, and refine targeting for heterogeneous tumors.
• Engineering ultrasmall LF nanocarriers may benefit treatment of desmoplastic tumors.