Recent advances in dual-ligand targeted nanocarriers for cancer therapy

Abstract

Nanocarriers (NCs) containing targeting ligands have received significant attention in recent years because of their ability to enhance cancer cell recognition, which in turn improves both their accuracy and the therapeutic efficacy of their payloads. A promising approach in this area is the use of dual ligands, in which NCs are functionalized with two different targeting ligands, enabling them to specifically recognize and interact with two different biomarkers present on cancer cells for more efficient targeting compared with single-ligand targeted nanocarriers. Herein, we highlight recent advances in dual-ligand targeted NCs with particular emphasis on their potential for improving therapeutic outcomes for cancer therapy.

Keywords: Antibodies; Aptamers; Dual-ligand; Nanocarriers; Peptides; Tumor-targeted delivery.