Issue 42, 2021

Multi-functional polymeric micelles for chemotherapy-based combined cancer therapy

Abstract

Currently, the therapeutic performance of traditional mono-chemotherapy on cancers remains unsatisfactory because of the tumor heterogeneity and multidrug resistance. In light of intricate tumor structures and distinct tumor microenvironments (TMEs), combinational therapeutic strategies with multiple anticancer drugs from different mechanisms can synergistically optimize the outcomes and concomitantly minimize the adverse effects during the therapy process. Extensive research on polymeric micelles (PMs) for biomedical applications has revealed the growing importance of nanomedicines for cancer therapy in the recent decade. Starting from traditional simple delivery systems, PMs have been extended to multi-faceted therapeutic strategies. Here we review and summarize the most recent advances in combinational therapy based on multifunctional PMs including a combination of multiple anticancer drugs, chemo-gene therapy, chemo-phototherapy and chemo-immunotherapy. The design approaches, action mechanisms and therapeutic applications of these nanodrugs are summarized. In addition, we highlight the opportunities and potential challenges associated with this promising field, which will provide new guidelines for advanced combinational cancer chemotherapy.

Graphical abstract: Multi-functional polymeric micelles for chemotherapy-based combined cancer therapy

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
14 Aug. 2021
Accepted
17 Sept. 2021
First published
18 Sept. 2021

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021,9, 8718-8738

Multi-functional polymeric micelles for chemotherapy-based combined cancer therapy

R. Bholakant, B. Dong, X. Zhou, X. Huang, C. Zhao, D. Huang, Y. Zhong, H. Qian, W. Chen and J. Feijen, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021, 9, 8718 DOI: 10.1039/D1TB01771C

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