Lipid Nanoparticles Functionalized with Antibodies for Anticancer Drug Therapy

Nanotechnology takes the lead in providing new therapeutic options for cancer patients. In the last decades, lipid-based nanoparticles-solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), liposomes, and lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles-have received particular interest in anticancer drug delivery to solid tumors. To improve selectivity for target cells and, thus, therapeutic efficacy, lipid nanoparticles have been functionalized with antibodies that bind to receptors overexpressed in angiogenic endothelial cells or cancer cells. Most papers dealing with the preclinical results of antibody-conjugated nanoparticles claim low systemic toxicity and effective tumor inhibition, which have not been successfully translated into clinical use yet. This review aims to summarize the current state-of-the-art in anticancer drug delivery using antibody-functionalized lipid-based nanoparticles. It includes an update on promising candidates that entered clinical trials and some explanations for low translation success.

Automated summary

Nanotechnology has shown promise in delivering anticancer drugs using lipid-based nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have been functionalized with antibodies to improve selectivity for target cells and increase therapeutic efficacy. Despite successful preclinical results, the translation of this technology into clinical use has been limited. This review provides an update on the current state-of-the-art in antibody-functionalized lipid-based nanoparticle delivery for anticancer drugs.