Nanotechnology-driven Epigenetic Cancer Therapy: Precision Delivery and Sustained Release of DNA Methylation Modulators.

Aberrant DNA methylation contributes to cancer by silencing tumor suppressor genes and facilitating tumor growth. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis), including 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) and decitabine (DAC), can potentially mitigate these consequences and revive gene expression. Their therapeutic effectiveness is hindered by factors like poor bioavailability, swift degradation, and unintended toxicity. Advances in nanotechnology enable targeted DNMTi delivery, enhancing efficacy while minimizing toxicity. This mini-review explores several key types of nanoformulations for DNMTi delivery, including PLGA nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), bentonite-based nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), amphiphilic prodrugs, PEGylated nanoparticles, bionic nanoparticles, gelatinase-sensitive nanoparticles, and chitosan-based pH-responsive systems. This paper emphasizes the integration of epigenetic therapies and nanotechnology in oncology, focusing on the creation of nanocarriers for precise delivery of methylation modulators and new formulations for prolonged drug release. By addressing these advancements, the review underscores the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize epigenetic cancer therapy, offering new hope for improved patient outcomes in precision oncology.