Pioneering Paclitaxel Delivery: Next-generation Protein Nanocarriers for Transformative Cancer Therapy

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a widely explored antimitotic drug for the treatment of various cancers; however, various issues like its hydrophilic nature, lack of targeting ability, and toxic side effects may cause a reduction in its therapeutic effectiveness. By enhancing solubility, extending circulation, allowing tumor-targeted distribution, and decreasing systemic side effects, protein-based nanocarriers have arisen as a potential substitute to traditional formulations.

An extensive literature review was carried out in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases of articles published in 2015-2025 using search strings that were predefined and included the terms that were related to paclitaxel, protein nanoparticles, and cancer therapy. The studies were used according to pre-established inclusion criteria (original research, proteinbased nanocarriers to deliver PTX, etc.) and exclusion criteria (non-protein carriers, conference abstracts, non-English articles, etc.). Google Patents and Espacenet were used in carrying out patent searches. The most recent articles (n=158) and 11 patents were selected, and relevant data were obtained.

Various types of protein nanocarriers greatly increase PTX solubility, encapsulation efficiency, and tumor accumulation through both passive and active targeting mechanisms. Important examples include Abraxane®, pH/redox-responsive gelatin systems, folate-targeted zein nanoparticles demonstrating a more than seven-fold increase in oral bioavailability, and multifunctional ferritin structures including chemo-photodynamic therapy. Clinical and preclinical trials have shown consistently good antitumor activity and reduced toxicity as compared to free paclitaxel.

Protein nanocarriers provide a flexible way to change the surface and release drugs in response to stimuli. They also solve some of the problems with conventional PTX dosage forms. But there are still problems that need to be solved before we can get scale production, controlled release kinetics, long-term stability, and high drug loading.

Next-generation protein-based nanocarriers are a unique way to deliver paclitaxel. They have a greater therapeutic index and lead to better patient outcomes. There is a lot of optimism for precision oncology as these biocompatible technologies continue to be improved and used in clinical settings.