Nanoparticles Containing Oxaliplatin and the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly widespread malignancy and ranks as the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality. Objective: Cancer patients, including those with CRC, who undergo chemotherapy, are often treated with platinum- based anticancer drugs such as oxaliplatin (OXA). Nevertheless, the administration of OXA is associated with a range of gastrointestinal problems, neuropathy, and respiratory tract infections. Hence, it is necessary to devise a potential strategy that can effectively tackle these aforementioned challenges. The use of nanocarriers has shown great potential in cancer treatment due to their ability to minimize side effects, target drugs directly to cancer cells, and improve drug efficacy. Furthermore, numerous studies have been published regarding the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles in the management of colorectal cancer. Methods: In this review, we present the most relevant nanostructures used for OXA encapsulation in recent years, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, polysaccharides, proteins, silica nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, and synthetic polymer-carriers. Additionally, the paper provides a summary of the disadvantages and limits associated with nanoparticles. Results: The use of different carriers for the delivery of oxaliplatin increased the efficiency and reduced the side effects of the drug. It has been observed that the majority of research investigations have focused on liposomes and polysaccharides. Conclusion: This potentially auspicious method has the potential to enhance results and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, additional investigation is required to ascertain the most suitable medium for the transportation of oxaliplatin and to assess its efficacy through clinical trials.

Oxaliplatin(IV) Prodrugs Functionalized with Gemcitabine and Capecitabine Induce Blockage of Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth—An Investigation of the Activation Mechanism and Their Nanoformulation

“…Although modifying the structure of the antitumor drugs is a valuable approach for the discovery of new anticancer drugs, an additional strategy to expand the pharmacological properties of compounds to improve the pharmacological effects—concomitantly leading to lower side effects—is the encapsulation of anticancer-active entities into biocompatible nanoparticles. Nowadays, several successful examples of drug encapsulation and delivery have been reported in the scientific literature [ 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 ]. On this basis, we also performed a pilot study based on the encapsulation of PTG in the core of PLGA-PEG nanoparticles, thus forming the aforementioned drug-delivery system.…”