Most explored approaches to developing cell-based drug delivery systems
(DDSs) are encapsulation of the drug into the cells, cell surface modification, genetic
modification of cells to secrete desired therapeutic proteins, and generating new
biosynthetic systems. Tumor-tropism of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as
demonstrated in many studies, can be coupled with appropriate engineering with
anticancer genes to enable their employment in anticancer therapy. Furthermore, MSCs
can be loaded with nanoparticles (NPs), providing transport across the blood-brain
barrier and accumulation of anticancer agent at the tumor site. Another attractive cell
type for DDS are dendritic cells (DC), monocytes and macrophages because of their
ability to accumulate in large numbers at hypoxic sites of the tumors. To this moment,
exosomes are very attractive and investigated cellular entities that are used to be loaded
with RNA, proteins, or other small molecules, including anticancer agents. Some of the
above-mentioned cells can also be used as membrane sources in the production of
anticancer delivery systems. A number of recent research papers and patents in this
field are evidence of the growing interest in cell-based DDSs. In this chapter, we
summarize recent developments in the field, present a newly established methodology
and approaches, give an overview of the recently published inventions (patent
databases FPO and Delphion were searched to locate newly published patents:
US20150079631, WO2015058148A1, US20160220613, etc.), and discuss further
possible developments. Further expansion in this field is expected, although limitations
in design and use of DDSs exist and must be overcome before these innovative
formulations can reach clinical trials and marketing authorization.
Keywords: Anticancer agents, anticancer therapy, cell membrane vesicles,
dendritic cells, drug delivery systems, exosomes, genetic engineering,
mesenchymal stem cells, nanoparticles, recent patents.
