Advanced Paclitaxel Delivery Systems in Oncology and Cardiovascular Medicine: Current Formulations and Emerging Technologies

Oncology and cardiology use paclitaxel, a powerful cell-division inhibitor. Paclitaxel-eluting coated metal stents in oncology prevent tumor growth by modulating proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Paclitaxel-eluting stents reduce in-stent restenosis and maintain arterial patency in cardiology. Paclitaxel encapsulated in liposomes improves targeted administration, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic efficacy. Liposome-loaded paclitaxel has a stronger anti-tumor effect than standard formulations. Paclitaxel plus sirolimus in a stent may synergistically prevent restenosis and inhibit tumors. Liposomal formulations with supplemental medications offer promising prospects for improving therapeutic accuracy and efficacy. Liposomal paclitaxel enhances targeted drug delivery, which may improve cancer treatment and cardiovascular treatments such as drug-eluting stents and drug-coated balloons in interventional radiology. Advanced delivery technologies have changed paclitaxel drug delivery methods for therapeutic use by overcoming its low solubility and systemic toxicity. Nanocrystals and liposomes enable high drug loading and precise targeted delivery, and, by eliminating toxic solvents such as Cremophor EL, they improve the safety and efficacy of cancer therapy.