Title:Biochemical Precision: Enzyme-Responsive Drug Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy
Volume: 22
Issue: 3
Author(s): Narkhede Minal*, Kamble Akanksha and Wankhede Nilesh
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutics, S.M.B.T. College of Pharmacy, Dhamangaon, Nashik, M.S. 422403, India, (Affiliated to
Savitribai Phule University, Pune, Maharastra, India)
Keywords:
Enzyme-responsive, biochemical precision, cancer therapy, targeted drug delivery system, tumor microenvironment, nanoparticles, polymeric carriers, combination therapy.
Abstract: Systemic toxicity and low efficiency hinder effective cancer therapies, but Targeted Drug
Delivery Systems (TDDS) offer a promising solution by focusing drug action on tumor sites, sparing
healthy tissues. Among these, Enzyme-Responsive Drug Delivery Systems (ERDDS) utilize the elevated
enzyme activity in the tumor microenvironment to trigger drug release. Tumor-specific enzymes
such as proteases, lipases, hydrolases, lysyl oxidases, glycoxidases and oxidoreductases act as
activators, ensuring precise drug release. ERDDS design involves selecting suitable carriers like polymers,
nanoparticles, or lipids and incorporating enzymatically sensitive components. Based on their
architecture, ERDDS are categorized into polymeric, lipid-based, inorganic, or hybrid types, each
with distinct mechanisms of action. These systems have applications in various combination therapies
as well as chemotherapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and photodynamic
therapy, offering enhanced treatment efficacy and reduced side effects compared to conventional
DDS. Despite the advantages of enzyme-responsive nano-DDS, significant challenges like scalability,
enzymatic variability, resistance, toxicity, poor tumor distribution, premature drug release from
liver hydrolases, and issues with solubility, stability, and unpredictable release in TDDS must be addressed
for clinical viability, though combinatorial therapies offer promise in overcoming these obstacles.
Ongoing clinical trials and market evaluations provide insight into regulatory hurdles and the
potential for ERDDS in future therapies. Emerging technologies like CRISPR-based enzyme systems
and theranostics are also expected to shape the future of cancer treatments. ERDDS represent a personalized,
selective, and effective approach to drug delivery, with the potential to improve patient
outcomes and advance cancer care by integrating combination therapies and cutting-edge innovations.
