Abstract
Background: In the recent years, Micelles represent a promising carrier for the treatment
and diagnosis of cancer. Architecturally, micelles are self-assembled nanosized colloidal aggregates
prepared from amphiphilic surfactant with a hydrophobic core and hydrophilic shell. Such a composition
makes them a potential carrier for delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs with in their core.
Methods: Micelles have received increasing interest as an enhanced permeability and retention (EPR)
targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. Micelles can be modified to contribute various attractive
properties, for instance, active targeting, stimuli-responsiveness. They have also proven their
ability in drug targeting to tumor tissue, enhanced drug accumulation, drug stabilization, tissue penetration,
prolong circulation, in vivo biocompatibility, biodegradability and reduced side effects. Micelles
have displayed a vital role in multidrug delivery for cancer therapy.
Results and Discussion: The aim of the present review is to provide an overview on the status of micellar
nanoformulations for anticancer agents, including their pre-clinical and clinical researches. Emphasis
is placed on presenting the newer strategies to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer
drug at the target site. The type of co-polymers used and methods for the preparation of micelles are
also highlighted in the paper.
Keywords:
Micelles, Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC), cancer therapy, co-polymers, multi-drug delivery, tumor targeted delivery.
Graphical Abstract
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