PLGA-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Remotely Triggered Cancer Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications

Abstract

Intelligent drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology have been widely developed and investigated in the field of nanomedicine since they were able to maximize the therapeutic efficacy and minimize the undesirable adverse effects. Among a variety of organic or inorganic nanomaterials available to fabricate drug delivery systems (DDSs) for cancer therapy and diagnosis, poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been extensively employed due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this paper, we review the recent status of research on the application of PLGAbased drug delivery systems (DDSs) in remotely triggered cancer therapy and the strategies for tumor imaging provided by PLGA-based DDSs. We firstly discuss the employment of PLGA-based DDSs for remotely triggered cancer therapy, including photo-triggered, ultrasound-triggered, magnetic field-triggered, and radiofrequencytriggered cancer therapy. Photo-triggered cancer therapy involves photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and photo-triggered chemotherapeutics release. Ultrasound-triggered cancer therapy involves high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment, ultrasound-triggered chemotherapeutics release, and ultrasoundenhanced efficiency of gene transfection. The strategies which endows PLGA-based DDSs with imaging properties and the PLGA-based cancer theranostics are further discussed. Additionally, we also discuss the targeting strategies which provide PLGAbased DDSs with passive, active or magnetic tumor-targeting abilities. Numerous studies cited in our review demonstrate the great potential of PLGA-based DDSs as effective theranostic agent for cancer therapy and diagnosis.

Nanotheranostics With the Combination of Improved Targeting, Therapeutic Effects, and Molecular Imaging

“…Targeted therapy that delivers drugs to cancer cells is important for improving treatment efficacy and avoiding systemic toxicity (Li et al, 2020;Shen et al, 2020). In recent years, the focus on developing targeted therapy with NP delivery systems has increased (Swain et al, 2016;Genchi et al, 2017;Adekiya et al, 2020).…”

Development of Polymer-Assisted Nanoparticles and Nanogels for Cancer Therapy: An Update

“…It is relatively easier to control the synthetic polymers' reproducibility, scalability and mechanical performance compared to naturally derived polymers. Besides, synthetic polymers can be facilely modified and functionalized depending on the desired biomedical applications [81,89]. Despite being synthetic, these polymers or their derivatives can be degraded into non-toxic oligomers or monomers, which could then be eliminated from the biological system via normal metabolic pathways [89].…”

Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound-Augmented Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Integrating Ultrasound Imaging and Synergistic Therapy of Metastatic Breast Cancer

“…Herein, with the inspirations mentioned above, we intent to exert the all-in-one nanoparticles (CPDP NPs) to establish a diagnostic and therapeutic system, which is realized by the SDT-oriented synergistic therapy combined with chemotherapy, as well as the enhanced ultrasound imaging. Owning to the excellent safety and ideal metabolic stability as a desirable nanocarrier, PLGA has made it favorable in exploring various antitumor capabilities [ 33 , 34 ]. Hence in this strategy, using PLGA as the outside layer material, PFP could significantly enhance ultrasound imaging through its phase-shift capability triggered by LIFU, while Ce6, a desirable second-generation sonosensitizer, could also be exposed to LIFU to induce ROS generation.…”