title: Exploiting the tumor phenotype using biodegradable submicron carriers of chemotherapeutic drugs.
abstract: Tumor tissues possess characteristics that distinguish them from healthy tissues and make them attractive targets for submicron carriers of chemotherapeutic drugs (CTX). CTX are generally administered systemically in free form to cancer patients resulting in unwanted cytotoxic effects and placing limitations on the deliverable CTX dose. In an effort to raise the therapeutic index of CTX there are now liposome-based CTX formulations in clinical use that are more tumor specific than the free form of CTX. However, progression to liposome-based chemotherapy in the clinic has been slow and there have been no approved formulations introduced in the last decade. Alternative carrier systems such as those made from the biodegradable polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) have been investigated in preclinical settings with promising outcomes. Here we review the principle behind biodegradable submicron carriers as CTX delivery vehicles for solid tumors with a specific focUS on liposomes and PLGA-based carriers, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each system.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
authors.forename: Sean M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Geary
authors.affiliation: Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
authors.forename: Aliasger K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Salem
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008081:Liposomes; D010641:Phenotype; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid