Advances in Polymer Micelles for Cancer Therapy: From Conventional to Smart Delivery Systems
Rayna Georgieva Bryaskova, Krasimir Georgiev Staykov, Damyan Stoyanov Ganchev
TL;DR
Polymeric micelles are being developed as smart drug delivery systems for cancer, improving drug solubility, targeting, and reducing toxicity.
Contribution
This review highlights the transition from conventional to smart polymer micelles for more precise and effective cancer therapy.
Findings
Conventional PEG-based micelles use the EPR effect for passive tumor targeting.
Smart micelles respond to stimuli for controlled drug release and improved therapeutic effectiveness.
Recent advancements include new polymer designs and targeting strategies reaching clinical stages.
Abstract
Polymeric micelles have become a versatile and clinically significant class of nanocarriers for cancer therapy. They effectively solubilize poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs, extend their circulation in the bloodstream, and promote accumulation in tumors. Early studies focused on conventional PEG-based polymeric micelles that utilize passive targeting based on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, with several of these advancing to clinical trials. Active targeting strategies using modified polymer micelles with various targeting ligands have been introduced to enhance cellular uptake and improve tumor specificity. Recently, the field has shifted toward smart polymer micelles that can respond to both internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) stimuli. These stimuli-responsive systems enable controlled drug release, enhance delivery inside cells, and improve…
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Taxonomy
TopicsNanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery · Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics · Cancer Research and Treatment