Recent breakthroughs in drug delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy: an overview

Targeted drug delivery systems have emerged as promising approaches for improving the efficacy and safety of cancer therapy. This review highlights recent advancements in drug delivery technologies aimed at achieving targeted and personalized treatment strategies for cancer patients. The integration of nanotechnology, biomaterials, and molecular targeting strategies has enabled the development of sophisticated drug delivery systems capable of selectively delivering therapeutic agents to tumour tissues while minimizing off-target effects on healthy tissues. Various targeting mechanisms, including passive and active targeting strategies, exploit the unique physiological characteristics of tumours, such as abnormal vasculature, overexpressed receptors, and altered microenvironments, to achieve selective accumulation and retention of drugs within tumour tissues. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles, offer advantages in terms of drug loading capacity, sustained release, and tumour targeting, making them attractive platforms for targeted cancer therapy. Moreover, the integration of smart drug delivery systems that respond to specific stimuli within the tumor microenvironment, such as pH, temperature, or enzyme activity, holds promise for enhancing tumor specificity and reducing systemic toxicity. Combination therapy approaches, which combine targeted drug delivery with other therapeutic modalities, such as immunotherapy or photodynamic therapy, offer synergistic effects and opportunities for overcoming treatment resistance. Despite these advancements, several challenges remain, including the translation of preclinical research findings into clinically viable therapies, regulatory approval, manufacturing scalability, and biomarker discovery. Addressing these challenges and embracing innovative approaches will be essential for realizing the full potential of targeted drug delivery systems in improving patient outcomes and advancing cancer therapy.