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Related Concept Videos

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers01:24

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
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Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

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Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
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Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
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Polymeric Gene Delivery Systems: Design Principles for Targeting Oncogenic Pathways.

Sheida Jahanbekam1, Bashayr Aldhafeeri2, Shohreh Alipour1

  • 1Department of Drug and Food Control, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7146864685, Iran.

ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|May 29, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Polymer engineering advances precision gene delivery for cancer therapy by tailoring nanocarriers to specific cancer signaling pathways. This review links polymer properties to biological performance for targeted gene modulation.

Keywords:
nanomedicineoncogenic signaling pathwayspolymeric nanoparticles

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer engineering and molecular oncology
  • Nanomedicine and targeted cancer therapy

Background:

  • Polymeric nanocarriers are adaptable platforms for delivering nucleic acids (siRNA, miRNA, mRNA, plasmid DNA) to modulate cancer signaling.
  • Understanding the relationship between polymer physicochemical properties and biological performance is crucial for effective gene delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the link between polymer properties and biological performance in gene delivery systems for cancer therapy.
  • To establish a mechanistic framework connecting material architecture to eight major cancer signaling pathways.
  • To guide the rational design of pathway-targeted polymeric gene delivery systems.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of literature from 2016-2024 on polymer engineering and gene delivery for cancer.
  • Analysis of physicochemical properties (charge density, molecular weight, degradability, HLB, ligand functionalization) and their impact on cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and pathway specificity.
  • Correlation of polymer engineering strategies with specific cancer signaling pathways (growth factor, cell cycle, apoptosis, metabolism, signal transduction, immune checkpoint, inflammation, stem cell).

Main Results:

  • Polymer properties like charge density and hydrophobicity critically influence cellular interactions and gene delivery efficiency.
  • Specific polymer engineering strategies can be matched to target eight major cancer signaling pathways for precision therapy.
  • Recent advances highlight the potential of rationally designed polymeric nanocarriers for targeted cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive framework exists for designing pathway-targeted polymeric gene delivery systems by linking material science to cancer biology.
  • Translational factors like scalability and in vivo stability are key considerations for developing next-generation cancer therapeutics.
  • This review provides a roadmap for advancing polymeric gene delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy.