Overview on Targeted Drug

OVERVIEW ON TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY IN TREATMENT OF BRAIN TUMOR

KONSTANTINOS PEFANIS, Dr, AHMED FAHEEM, University of Sunderland

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, treatment of malignant brain tumors remains a challenge. Pharmacological interventions are inhibited by the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB), which has brain endothelial cells that line the cerebral microvasculature, that act as a guardian. Targeted drug delivery method seems positive for overcoming limitations of patient compliance, the BBB and side effects; however, effectiveness relies not only on the therapeutic effect but also on early detection of tumors. Conjugation of nanoparticles with ligands of specific tumor biomarkers is a potent therapeutic approach to deal effectively with brain cancer. functionali-

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Currently, treatment for brain cancer, especially glioblastoma multiforme, focuses on chemotherapy, radiation and surgery providing limited survival rates and numerous adverse effects. Research is currently focused on targeted delivery drug methods that are going to provide patient compliance, less adverse reactions and prolonged release medication. This review will evaluate the effectiveness of controlled targeted delivery of anticancer therapy to glioblastoma through the BBB using nanoparticles. Moreover, it will evaluate the potential use of imaging agents as a successful diagnostic tool for detecting brain tumors in early stage, increasing the possibilities for higher survival rates. Furthermore, each study will investigate different type of nanoparticles and ligands in combination with desirable drugs or peptides. Ligands selected due to their overexpression in carcinogenic cells, increasing the specificity.

METHODS: In this review, 8 research articles and studies were included from the databases ScienceDirect, PubMed and Medline by following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were assessed and the inclusion or exclusion of them followed criteria and standards. In this review, in vivo and in vitro glioma model, such as transfected cells U87 and mice’s brains, were

CONCLUSION: Most of the evidence successfully proved the beneficial clinical effect of drugs and targeting ligands when they were attached to multifunctional nanoparticles for accurate detection. However, an absolute comparison between each ligand and nanoparticles was not applicable due to different conditions and unique characteristics such as morphology, zeta potential, size and composition. Evidently, results indicated that drugs should be preferable hydrophobic, unionised and the nanoparticles should be characterised by highly controlled size, appropriate surface properties and chemical used while no human trials were included.

sation.

Questions & answers

Please, tell us a little bit more about yourself. My name is Konstantinos Pefanis and I am currently a student on the 4th year Master of Pharmacy in University of Sunderland. I have already graduated as an Optometrist from Technological Education Institute of Athens. As a professional, I worked in a community pharmacy for over 5 years as a dispenser.

Tell us a bit more about your research and its significance. My research is investigating the effectiveness of targeted drug delivery in brain tumors, especially glioblastoma. Glioblastoma has limitations in phramcological approach as well as in early detection. Being able to prolong and expand the quality of life, it will be clearly a unique benefit for people’s lives. Tumor cells in brain could associate with numerous complications being obstacle in appropiarte treatment. Ideally, the cytotoxic drug needs to be delivery on the site of action causing the minimum toxicity, not affecting the healthy cells and shrink completely the tumor cells. The discovery and development of nanoparticles has given the ability to target cancer cells, minimising the damage in the healthy cells while is reducing the toxic effects, too. Different types of nanoparticles could enhance different characteristics providing a wide range of treatments or detective methods. What was the biggest challenge whilst carrying out the research and how did you overcome that? The biggest challenge I faced during my research project was time. The project was carrying out during the third year of pharmacy simultaneously with the lectures and the seminars. I had to find the balance between the studying time and the research time. Planning early and organising effectively were the keys to success.

In your opinion, what is the benefit of joining ESSP and what advice do you have for students undertaking research in the future? Joining ESPA was extremely useful, as a pharmacy student i have ample accessibility in research papers and events. Definitely is an opportunity that nobody should miss out as it is pushing the profession to the right direction. It is great opportinuty to meet other colleagues from all over the world and exchange opinions and knowledge.