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Tumor Discovery Targeted drug delivery systems for the treatment of tumors

Table 2. Polymers employed in the development of tumor-targeted drug delivery systems
Polymers Approaches Research highlights References
Polyethylene glycol (PEG)- CD133 aptamer-decorated The nanocarrier AP-SAL-NP exhibited comparative [45]
functionalized poly(lactic- salinomycin nanoparticles specific and selective cytotoxicity for CD133(+)
co-glycolic) acid (AP-SAL-NP) osteosarcoma cancer stem cells than bare SAL-NP.
Hyaluronic acid, Hyaluronan-paclitaxel bioconjugate After intraperitoneal administration, the developed [46]
nonsulfated (ONCOFID-P) for ovarian cancer polymeric conjugate ONCOFID-P interacted with
glycosaminoglycan CD44 via an active transport mechanism and exhibited
a higher therapeutic concentration at target sites, that is,
human ovarian cancer, when compared to paclitaxel.
Polyethylene glycol Utilizing gelatinase nanoparticles for The developed miR-200c/DOC nanoparticles [47]
the delivery of miR200c-docetaxel significantly suppressed the growth of the tumor.
in augmented elimination of cancer Furthermore, these polymeric nanocarriers demonstrate
stem cells a promising approach for nucleic acid delivery in the
management of tumor disorders.
Biodegradable polylactic Docetaxel-loaded polylactic acid Developed nano-cargos were effective against lung [48]
acid nanoparticles for anti-metastatic cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) and proved an effective
remedy strategy for lung cancer metastatic treatment.
Chitosan Cisplatin-encapsulated chitosan (CS) PEG-epidermal growth factor peptide-grafted cisplatin- [49]
nanoparticles for improved cellular encapsulated CS nanoparticles were effective against
cytotoxicity in tumor cells lung cancer cells.

(b) Polymeric micelles tumor-targeted drug delivery . Among various stimuli,
[52]
Polymeric micelles are colloidal particulate systems with pH-triggered systems are particularly significant due to
particle size approximately 5–100 nm. FDA-approved their direct influence on the extracellular and intracellular
Genexol-PM (an advanced form of paclitaxel) has found microenvironment of solid tumors. Various mechanisms,
application in the management of breast cancer. These systems including protonation, the breakdown of chemical
bonds, and charge reversal, facilitate cellular uptake
have the potential to incorporate ligands (such as antibodies)
and form chelate complexes for site-specific drug delivery . and drug delivery from polymeric micelles. Optimized
[50]
Polymeric micelles have demonstrated their competence stimuli-responsive polymeric micelle assemblies can
in delivering hydrophobic drugs effectively, thanks to undergo alterations or rearrange their chemical structure
their exclusive self-assembled morphology that enhances into unimers when exposed to different stimuli. These
polymeric micelles effectively recognize the abnormal
solubility and bioavailability. Amphiphilic di- and tri-block
copolymers can self-assemble to create spherical micelles with microenvironment of tumor cells (weak acidity, hypoxic
conditions, abnormal temperatures, elevation of metabolites,
a hydrophobic core (for the encapsulation of bioactive agent) and overexpression of receptors), enabling active targeting.
and a hydrophilic shell (for the provision of stealth properties
to the system). This exclusive morphology of polymeric Table 3 compiles various polymeric micelles that have been
investigated for their antitumor efficacy. On cellular uptake,
micelles extends circulation time and reduces the likelihood these nanocarriers enhance therapeutic efficacy, imaging
of clearance by the reticuloendothelial system. These particles sensitivity, and the delivery of antineoplastic agents under
ensure enhanced permeability across tumor cells and higher various extracellular and intracellular stimuli, including
drug accumulation. These systems are more efficacious and reductive or oxidative microenvironments, anomalous
possess superior stability at lower concentrations compared to bioactive substances, and the presence of enzymes such as
micelles derived from surfactants. Recent clinical studies have beta-glucuronidase and matrix metalloproteinase .
[53]
suggested the potential applications of polymeric micelles in
oncotherapy. In addition, the block polymers in polymeric (c) Dendrimers
micelles are stimuli-sensitive, responding to factors such as Nanosized globular dendrimers consist of three distinct
pH, ultrasound, light, heat, and more, enabling controlled sites: A central core, a branched mantle, and a corona
delivery of bioactive agents on activation, whether by active adorned with peripheral functional groups. The unique
or passive means . architecture and characteristic features of dendrimers
[51]
Kanamala et al. discussed the chemical design and enable high payload capacity and site-specific drug
vital applications of pH-sensitive polymeric micelles for delivery.

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2023) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/td.1356