Multifunctional Polymeric Micelles for Cancer Therapy

Polymeric micelles, nanosized assemblies of amphiphilic polymers with a core-shell architecture, have been used as carriers for various therapeutic compounds. They have gained attention due to specific properties such as their capacity to solubilize poorly water-soluble drugs, biocompatibility, and the ability to accumulate in tumor via enhanced permeability and retention (EPR). Moreover, additional functionality can be provided to the micelles by a further modification. For example, micelle surface modification with targeting ligands allows a specific targeting and enhanced tumor accumulation. The introduction of stimuli-sensitive groups leads to the drug's release in response to environment change. This review highlights the progress in the development of multifunctional polymeric micelles in the field of cancer therapy. This review will also cover some examples of multifunctional polymeric micelles that are applied for tumor imaging and theragnosis.

Automated summary

Polymeric micelles, as carriers for therapeutic compounds, have attracted attention due to their ability to solubilize poorly water-soluble drugs, biocompatibility, and accumulation in tumors. Additional functionality can be achieved through surface modification and stimuli-sensitive groups. This review highlights the development of multifunctional polymeric micelles in cancer therapy, including applications in tumor imaging and theragnosis.