Efficacy of chondroitin sulfate as an emerging biomaterial for cancer-targeted drug delivery: A short review

Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Dec;283(Pt 2):137704. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137704. Epub 2024 Nov 15.

Abstract

The global increase in cancer incidence over the past decade highlights the urgent need for more effective therapeutic strategies. Conventional cancer treatments face challenges such as drug resistance and off-target toxicity, which affect healthy tissues. Chondroitin sulfate (CHDS), a naturally occurring bioactive macromolecule, has gained attention because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity, positioning it as an ideal candidate for cancer-targeted drug delivery systems. This review highlights the potential of CHDS as an emerging biomaterial in cancer therapy, focusing on its unique biological properties and applications in drug delivery platforms. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages of CHDS-based biomaterials in enhancing cancer treatment efficacy and minimizing side effects, in order to provide a comprehensive reference for future research on CHDS-based cancer therapeutics.

Keywords: Biomaterial; CHDS; Cancer; Targeted drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Biocompatible Materials* / chemistry
  • Chondroitin Sulfates* / chemistry
  • Chondroitin Sulfates* / therapeutic use
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Chondroitin Sulfates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers