Meng Kexin, Tu Xinzhuo, Sun Feixia, Hou Lingmi, Shao Zhouxiang, Wang Jinxiang
Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant Tumor, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China.
Department of Pathology, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, China.
Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 Apr;304(Pt 1):140441. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140441. Epub 2025 Jan 28.
The application of natural products for cancer treatment has a long history. The safety and multifunctionality of naturally occurring substances have made them appropriate for cancer treatment and management. Curcumin affects multiple molecular pathways and is advantageous for treating both hematological and solid tumors. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of curcumin in vivo and in clinical studies has faced challenges due to its poor pharmacokinetic profile. Consequently, nanoparticles have been developed for the administration of curcumin in cancer treatment. The nanoparticles can enhance the distribution of curcumin in tissues and increase its therapeutic effectiveness. Furthermore, nanoparticles expand the uptake of curcumin in cancer cells, leading to increased cytotoxicity. Carbohydrate polymer-based nanoparticles provide a promising solution for the delivery of curcumin in cancer treatment by addressing its low solubility, limited bioavailability, and quick degradation. These biodegradable and biocompatible carriers, originating from polymers such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and alginate, protect curcumin, improving its stability and allowing for controlled release. Targeting ligands for functionalization provides selective and specific distribution to the tumor cells, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness and reducing off-target impacts. Their capacity to encapsulate curcumin with other agents allows for synergistic therapies, enhancing anticancer results even more. The adjustable characteristics of carbohydrate nanoparticles, along with their minimal toxicity, develop a revolutionary, functional and safe platform.
