Title:Lipid-based Nanocarriers Loaded with Taxanes for the Management of
Breast Cancer: Promises and Challenges
Volume: 23
Issue: 6
Author(s): Nishtha Chaurawal, Charu Misra and Kaisar Raza*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri,
Distt. Ajmer, Rajasthan 305817, India
Keywords:
Bioavailability, sustain release, novel drug delivery systems, drug release cytotoxicity, lipid-based nanocarriers, breast cancer cells.
Abstract: Breast cancer is the leading cause of deaths worldwide among women. Taxanes (most
propitious class of diterpenes) have shown dynamic potentials in the treatment of early and metastatic
breast cancer. However, challenges like poor bioavailability, low tissue-permeability, compromised
aqueous solubility, and dose-dependent side-effects limit the clinical applications of these
drugs. Henceforth, to overcome these challenges, various nanotechnology-based drug delivery
systems are being explored for the delivery of taxanes in the management of breast cancer. One
such promising nanocarrier category is lipid-based nanocarriers, which employ the meritorious features
of a variety of lipids, both of natural and synthetic origin. It is also known that lipid uptake
plays a significant role in breast cancer cells proliferation and tumor genesis. However, lipid-based
nanocarriers could be a great choice to nanoencapsulate the poorly soluble and permeable taxanes
for breast cancer management. These systems have an immense promise of bioavailability enhancement,
spatial and temporal taxane delivery, improved efficacy, reduced dosing frequency, and even
mild inhibition of the P-gp efflux mechanism. Apart from these promises, these carriers are not yet
available for the benefit of the end-user. The present review will not only discuss the merits,
progress, and promises of these systems but also ponder upon the various challenges faced by these
carriers to reach the clinics for the benefit of the patients afflicted with breast cancer.
