Thiol redox-sensitive Cationic Polymers for Dual Delivery of Drug and Gene

Abstract

Recently greater emphasis has been given to combination therapy for generating synergistic effects of treating cancer. Recent studies on thiol-sensitive nanocarriers for the delivery of drug or gene have shown promising results. In this review, we will examine the rationale and advantage in using nanocarriers for the combined delivery of different anticancer drugs and biologics. Here, we also discuss the role of nanocarriers, particularly redox-sensitive polymers in evading or inhibiting the efflux pump in cancer and how they modulate the sensitivity of cancer cells. The review aims to provide a good understanding of the new pattern of cancer treatment and key concerns for designing nanomedicine of synergistic combinations for cancer therapy.

Keywords:

• bioreducible polymers
• combination therapy
• disulfide exchange
• drug/gene delivery
• glutathione
• multidrug resistance
• nanocarriers
• P-glycoprotein
• redox-sensitive
• thiol redox

Financial & competing interests disclosure

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.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.