Folate-conjugated nanovehicles: Strategies for cancer therapy

Batoul Farran, Raquel Carvalho Montenegro, Prameswari Kasa, Eluri Pavitra, Yun Suk Huh, Young Kyu Han, Mohammad Amjad Kamal, Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju, Ganji Seeta Rama Raju

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cancer theranostics represents a strategy that aims at combining diagnosis with therapy through the simultaneous imaging and targeted delivery of therapeutics to cancer cells. Recently, the folate receptor alpha has emerged as an attractive theranostic target due to its overexpression in multiple solid tumors and its great functional versatility. In fact, it can be incorporated into folate-conjugated nano-systems for imaging and drug delivery. Hence, it can be used along the line of personalized clinical strategies as both an imaging tool and a delivery method ensuring the selective transport of treatments to tumor cells, thus highlighting its theranostic qualities. In this review, we will explore these theranostic characteristics in detail and assess their clinical potential. We will also discuss the technological advances that have allowed the design of sophisticated folate-based nanocarriers harboring various chemical properties and suited for the transport of various therapeutic agents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number110341
JournalMaterials Science and Engineering C
Volume107
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cancer therapy
  • Folate receptor
  • Nanoparticles
  • Targeted delivery

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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