Emerging Trends in Designing the Dendrimer-Based Drug Delivery for Antineoplastic Therapies
Mohammad Adnan Raza, Anjila Firdous, Umesh Gupta, Umesh Kumar Patil, Ambika Singh, M. Ajazuddin
Abstract
Dendrimers, a sophisticated nanoscale concept, are transforming cancer treatment by tackling the critical challenges plaguing conventional therapies: poor drug solubility, systemic toxicity, oral bioavailability, side effects, and drug resistance therapy. These branched molecular frameworks serve as attractive drug delivery nanocarriers, with their engineered structure enabling controlled release and targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. This breakthrough promises to enhance the therapeutic index of anticancer drugs dramatically. We explore how these systems optimize crucial parameters, such as release kinetics, hydrophobic drug encapsulation, reduced toxicity, and mimic protein. Engineering these molecular carriers necessitates careful consideration of surface chemistry and the role of the functional group, with each feature being carefully tweaked to maximize therapeutic effectiveness. The field has observed amazing advances through the application of innovative polymeric studies, particularly poly(amidoamine), poly[lactic- co -glycolic acid], and PEGylated dendrimers. These sophisticated designs have proven exceptional promise in enhancing biocompatibility and achieving accurate drug targeting at the site of action. Our research expands on the phenomenal versatility of dendrimer-based delivery systems across a wide range of new delivery strategies, including targeted delivery, gene therapy, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal treatment as well as immune response enhancement and stimuli-responsiveness. Preclinical and clinical research has provided persuasive evidence that they can reduce off-target toxicity while increasing therapeutic outcomes. Considering these hopeful advancements, significant barriers remain on the way to widespread clinical acceptance. These include complex safety assessments for long-term usage and meeting regulatory standards for FDA approval. As we look ahead, the continued development of multifunctional dendrimers holds remarkable promise for altering cancer therapy; however, additional clinical validation will be required to realize their full potential in medical practice.