Poly(ethylene glycol)-modified nanocarriers for tumor-targeted and intracellular delivery.
The success of anti-cancer therapies largely depends on the ability of the therapeutics to reach their designated cellular and intracellular target sites, while minimizing accumulation and action at non-specific sites. Surface modification of nanoparticulate carriers with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has emerged as a strategy to enhance solubility of hydrophobic drugs, prolong circulation time, minimize non-specific uptake, and allow for specific tumor-targeting through the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Furthermore, PEG/PEO modification has emerged as a platform for incorporation of active targeting ligands, thereby providing the drug and gene carriers with specific tumor-targeting properties through a flexible tether. This review focuses on the recent developments surrounding such PEG/PEO-surface modification of polymeric nanocarriers to promote tumor-targeting capabilities, thereby enhancing efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutic strategies.
van Vlerken
Lilian E
LE
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, 110 Mugar Life Sciences Building, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Vyas
Tushar K
TK
Amiji
Mansoor M
MM
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols