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Poly(ethylene glycol)-modified Nanocarriers for Tumor-targeted and Intracellular Delivery

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Abstract

The success of anti-cancer therapies largely depends on the ability of the therapeutics to reach their designated cellular and intracellular target sites, while minimizing accumulation and action at non-specific sites. Surface modification of nanoparticulate carriers with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has emerged as a strategy to enhance solubility of hydrophobic drugs, prolong circulation time, minimize non-specific uptake, and allow for specific tumor-targeting through the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Furthermore, PEG/PEO modification has emerged as a platform for incorporation of active targeting ligands, thereby providing the drug and gene carriers with specific tumor-targeting properties through a flexible tether. This review focuses on the recent developments surrounding such PEG/PEO-surface modification of polymeric nanocarriers to promote tumor-targeting capabilities, thereby enhancing efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutic strategies.

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  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, 110 Mugar Life Sciences Building, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA

    Lilian E. van Vlerken, Tushar K. Vyas & Mansoor M. Amiji

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van Vlerken, L.E., Vyas, T.K. & Amiji, M.M. Poly(ethylene glycol)-modified Nanocarriers for Tumor-targeted and Intracellular Delivery. Pharm Res 24, 1405–1414 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-007-9284-6

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