Nuclear-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy: Advances, and Challenges

The development of nuclear-targeted drugs has provided a more favorable option for tumor therapy. However, multiple biological barriers in vivo greatly reduce the efficiency of drug entry into the nucleus, rendering tumor therapy largely ineffective. Notably, the nucleus remains a critical therapeutic target, as most anticancer agents exert their effects through direct interactions with nuclear DNA or inhibition of topoisomerase activity, thereby disrupting DNA structure and impeding replication/transcription processes. This review systematically examines advanced delivery strategies for nuclear-targeted drug systems, explores their diverse therapeutic applications in oncology, and analyzes current challenges alongside future opportunities to guide the development of next-generation intelligent nuclear delivery platforms.