Folate-mediated chemotherapy and diagnostics: An updated review and outlook

J Control Release. 2017 Apr 28:252:73-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.02.023. Epub 2017 Feb 22.

Abstract

Folate receptor (FR) is highly expressed in many types of human cancers, and it has been actively studied for developing targeted chemotherapy and diagnostic agents. Tremendous efforts have been made in developing FR-targeted nanomedicines and nanoprobes and translating them into clinical applications. This article provides a concise review on the latest development of folate-mediated nanomedicines and nanoprobes for chemotherapy and diagnostics with an emphasis on in vivo applications. The cellular uptake mechanisms, pharmacokinetics (PK), administration routes and major challenges in FR-targeted nanoparticles are discussed.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Folate receptor; Folic acid; Nanomedicine; Targeted delivery.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Drug Liberation
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored / metabolism*
  • Folic Acid / chemistry*
  • Folic Acid / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Molecular Probes / administration & dosage*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored
  • Molecular Probes
  • Folic Acid