Abstract

Several PEGylated polyester-based nanoncologicals have been proposed in the literature, some of them nowadays being under preclinical/clinical trials or marketed. In this review, we describe the main features of PEGylated polyesters and their correspondent nanocarriers. A first part is devoted to intravenously injectable PEGylated nanocarriers, which represent the systems most investigated so far. After describing fundamental design rules dictated by the administration route, PEGylated nanocarriers currently under preclinical/clinical investigation or in the market will be described from a technological point of view and related therapeutic implications discussed. Finally, new perspective of use of PEGylated nanocarriers for oral and pulmonary delivery of anticancer drugs will be considered.

Keywords: Cancer, chemotherapeutics, drug targeting, nanoparticles, nanotechnology, polyethylenglycol, polymers.

Graphical Abstract