Stimuli-responsive polymers for anti-cancer drug delivery

Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2014 Dec:45:600-8. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2014.05.050. Epub 2014 Jun 2.

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive polymers are an important component for preparation of stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems with less side effects and improved efficacy for cancer treatment. There are endogenous stimuli and exogenous stimuli which can be explored. Here we review the developments in both endogenous stimuli- including redox-/pH-/enzyme-responsive polymers and exogenous stimuli- including thermo-/photo- and ultrasound-responsive polymers for delivery of anti-cancer drugs.

Keywords: cancer therapy; drug delivery; encapsulation; polymer; stimuli-responsive.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Glutathione / chemistry
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Polymers
  • Glutathione