The use of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes to improve anticancer drug profiles: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been used extensively in inclusion complexes to improve the biological efficacy of complexed substances as well as to provide increased solubility and stability. We reviewed in vivo experimental studies of drug molecules complexed in cyclodextrins to evaluate whether these complexes improved bioavailability and enhanced the treatment of cancer, the second leading cause of death globally.

Area covered

The search terms cyclodextrins, anti-cancer, and cancer treatment were used to identify peer-reviewed publications limited to the English language in the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases published from inception until July 2019. A total of 2760 studies were identified, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria. The review showed that cyclodextrin/anticancer drug complexes enhance solubility, reduce toxicity, and improve therapeutic efficacy in in vivo tumor models in the pharmacokinetic studies detailed and described below.

Expert opinion

The use of cyclodextrins combined with anticancer agents can provide better encapsulation and effective delivery of drugs to optimize their efficacy. Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes might also be a promising tool to lower the therapeutic dosage levels and thereby increase the safety and curative potential of the chemotherapeutic molecules.

KEYWORDS:

• Cancer
• cyclodextrins
• cancer therapy
• experimental systems
• pharmacokinetics

Article highlights

• Cyclodextrins (CDs) are water-soluble chelating agents belonging to a class of macrocyclic oligosaccharides

• CDs enhance the bioavailability of many sparingly water-soluble anticancer drugs

• CD carrier systems have emerged as an excellent drug delivery tool, able to target optimum drug release towards cancer cells

• The encapsulation of anticancer drugs with cyclodextrins (CDs) produced significant improvements in their physicochemical properties and reduced decomposition before entering tissues

• Preclinical studies provide a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of CD-inclusion complexes and how they can be used to develop and expand cancer treatments

This box summarizes the key points contained in the article.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Brazilian Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), the Foundation for Research Support of the State of Sergipe (FAPITEC), and the Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil. SRG is a doctoral student in the Postgraduate Program of Health Sciences (PPGCS) of the Federal University of Sergipe.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.