Smart Nanocarriers as a Targeted Drug Delivery Platform for Oral Cancer Therapy: A Review of Recent Advances

Abstract

Nanoparticle-based smart nanocarriers are promising platforms for enhancing the therapeutic index in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). These systems are designed to detect tumour-specific signals and respond to various internal or external stimuli. The outcomes of latestage diagnosis, high recurrence rates, and adverse effects of traditional therapy all continue to cause OSCC to induce high morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The reduced tumour selectivity, systemi toxicity, short circulation times and resistance to multiple drugs limit the activity of conventional chemotherapeutic regimens. We have recapitulated recent innovations in the ligand-directed and stimulusresponsive nanocarrier systems in OSCC, outlined tumourmicroenvironmental features that could be used to obtain site-selective release, and examined preclinical data that support the key nanoparticle platforms, such as lipid, polymeric, inorganic, and biological carriers. Translational challenges, including scale-up of manufacturing, regulatory issues, and safety concerns, and suggested feasible strategies to speed clinical translation have also been discussed.