Title:Oral Delivery of Anticancer Agents Using Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery System
Volume: 20
Issue: 14
Author(s): Prateek Mathur, Shruti Rawal, Bhoomika Patel and Mayur M. Patel*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, SG Highway, Chharodi, Ahmedabad 382 481, Gujarat,India
Keywords:
Hepatic metabolism, cytochrome P450, P-gp efflux, chemotherapy, oral delivery, nanocarriers.
Abstract:
Background: Conventionally, anti-cancer agents were administered through the intravenous route. The
major drawbacks associated with the intravenous route of administration are: severe side effects, need of hospitalization,
nursing care, and palliative treatment. In order to overcome the drawbacks associated with the intravenous route
of administration, oral delivery of anti-cancer agents has gained tremendous interest among the scientific fraternity.
Oral delivery of anti-cancer agents principally leads to a reduction in the overall cost of treatment, and aids in improving
the quality of life of patients. Bioavailability of drugs and inter-subject variability are the major concerns
with oral administration of anti-cancer agents. Factors viz. physicochemical and biological barriers (pre-systemic
metabolism and transmembrane efflux of the drug) are accountable for hampering oral bioavailability of anti-cancer
agents can be efficiently overcome by employing nanocarrier based drug delivery systems. Oral delivery of anticancer
agents by employing these drug delivery systems will not only improve the quality of life of patients but will
also provide pharmacoeconomic advantage and lead to a reduction in the overall cost of treatment of life-threatening
disease like cancer.
Objective: This article aims to familiarize the readers with some of the recent advancements in the field of nanobased
drug delivery systems for oral delivery of anticancer agents.
Conclusion: Advancement in the field of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems has opened up gateways for
the delivery of drugs that are difficult to administer orally. Oral delivery of anti-cancer agents by these drug delivery
systems will not only improve the quality of life of patients but will also provide pharmacoeconomic advantage and
lead to a reduction in the overall cost of treatment of life-threatening disease like cancer.