Advancing glioblastoma therapy with surface-modified nanoparticles

Abstract

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a very aggressive and deadly brain tumor, presenting considerable therapeutic hurdles due to its infiltrative development, heterogeneity, and protective mechanisms of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Traditional treatment methods frequently do not yield satisfactory results, requiring the implementation of novel solutions. Surface-modified nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a viable approach in GBM therapy, providing potential benefits in targeted drug delivery, improved therapeutic efficacy, and reduced systemic toxicity.

Aim: This narrative review examines progress in the creation and utilization of surface-modified NPs, emphasizing their function in traversing the blood-brain barrier and selectively targeting glioblastoma cells.

Methods: This review consolidates findings from an extensive search of principal medical databases, highlighting in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo investigations on surface-modified NPs in the treatment of GBM. The discourse emphasizes diverse methodologies, surface alteration procedures, and their ramifications for therapeutic effectiveness and clinical relevance.

Results: In the last ten years, considerable advancements have been achieved in customizing NPs for targeting GBM. Surface modifications, including conjugation with ligands, peptides, or polymers, have significantly enhanced NP stability, biocompatibility, and specificity. Receptor-mediated targeting has been a primary method, utilizing unique molecular markers that are overexpressed on GBM cells to improve the precision of drug delivery. Dual-targeting strategies that focus on both the blood-brain barrier and tumor microenvironment have demonstrated promise in enhancing therapeutic results. Moreover, sophisticated surface characterization methods have yielded essential insights on NP efficacy, guaranteeing the dependability and consistency of these systems. Preclinical models, especially in vivo studies, have highlighted the translational potential of these methods, showing enhanced medication penetration and efficacy in difficult GBM scenarios.

Conclusions: Surface-modified NPs signify a groundbreaking advancement in GBM therapy, providing novel answers to persistent difficulties. By combining innovative surface engineering with tailored therapeutic administration, they aim to improve treatment accuracy and reduce off-target consequences. Nevertheless, substantial obstacles persist, such as tackling NP toxicity, enhancing surface modification techniques, and guaranteeing scalability for clinical use.

Keywords: Brain-blood barrier; Glioblastoma; Surface modified nanoparticles; Tumor microenvironment.