Biomaterials for Drug Delivery in Cancer Treatment

Dear Colleague,

Cancer is a complex disease and one of the most profound global health concerns. For years, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have been the gold standards to treat cancer, although continuing research has sought a more effective approach. While advances can be seen in the development of anticancer drugs, tools that can improve their delivery remain a challenge. The application of a suitable drug delivery platform in oncology may increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment and reduce the associated adverse side effects. Although various biomaterials can be considered for the development of the drug delivery system (DDS), materials of natural origin offer great biocompatibility and degradability. Numerous formulations of biomaterials could be utilized in a broad range of shapes and structures, both in plain and functionalized forms. Some types of biomaterials can intrinsically act as anticancer agents, while others can be used as carriers to provide targeted therapies against tumor cells. Moreover, DDSs based on active targeting have become a research hotspot, which further expands the clinical treatment of cancer. Targeting ligands such as peptides, small organic molecules, and antibodies have been added to the surface of particles, selectively binding to overexpressed targeting receptors of certain tumor cells. Furthermore, targeting tumor microenvironments (TMEs) is another important application of anticancer biomaterial-based DDSs, as they are key determinants of the final outcomes of cancer therapy.

This Special Issue "Biomaterials for Drug Delivery in Cancer Treatment" serves as a crucial platform for the convergence of biomaterials, DDSs, nanotechnology, and cancer therapy, aiming to foster innovative research at the intersection of these dynamic fields. This comprehensive compilation seeks to showcase cutting-edge developments in the utilization of biomaterial-based delivery platforms, exploring their multifaceted roles in both enhancing anticancer therapeutic strategies and advancing diagnostic approaches. This issue highlights the design and application of bio-inspired DDSs, focusing on controlled release mechanisms, targeted delivery platforms, and responsive carriers. It emphasizes the impact of biomaterials in augmenting treatment precision, especially through nanomaterial-based drug delivery and the integration of biomimetic materials for optimized therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, this Special Issue addresses the critical biological interactions of biomaterials and their clinical applications, including biocompatibility assessments, immunomodulatory effects, and considerations for practical translation.

Research contributions and review articles highlighting recent progress in these fields are all welcome.

Dr. Anna Florczak
Guest Editor

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