What is Targeted Drug Delivery?
Targeted drug delivery is a method used in cancer treatment to deliver medication directly to cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy cells. This approach aims to enhance the efficacy of the drug and reduce
side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.
How Does Targeted Drug Delivery Work?
The process involves using specific mechanisms such as antibodies, nanoparticles, or ligands that bind to unique markers on cancer cells. These
markers are often proteins or receptors that are overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells. Once the drug-carrier complex binds to these markers, the drug is released directly into the cancer cell, sparing healthy tissue.
Monoclonal antibodies: These are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to attach to specific antigens on cancer cells.
Nanoparticles: These tiny particles can be loaded with drugs and designed to interact with specific cell receptors.
Liposomes: These are vesicles that can encapsulate drugs, enhancing their delivery to targeted cells.
Polymeric micelles: These are aggregates of polymer molecules that can carry drugs and release them at the tumor site.
Increased drug concentration at the tumor site, enhancing
efficacy.
Reduced toxicity and side effects, as healthy cells are less exposed to the drug.
Potential for overcoming drug resistance by delivering higher doses directly to resistant cancer cells.
Heterogeneity of tumors: Cancer cells within the same tumor may express different markers, complicating targeted therapy.
Development of resistance: Cancer cells may eventually develop resistance to the targeted agents.
Complexity in designing delivery systems: Creating effective and safe delivery systems is scientifically and technically challenging.
Trastuzumab (Herceptin): A monoclonal antibody used in HER2-positive breast cancer.
Imatinib (Gleevec): A tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in chronic myeloid leukemia.
Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris): An antibody-drug conjugate used in Hodgkin lymphoma.
