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Polymeric Micelles: Nanocarriers for Cancer-Targeted Drug Delivery

  • Review Article
  • Theme: Translational Application of Nano Delivery Systems: Emerging Cancer Therapy
  • Published:
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Abstract

Polymeric micelles represent an effective delivery system for poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs. With small size (10–100 nm) and hydrophilic shell of PEG, polymeric micelles exhibit prolonged circulation time in the blood and enhanced tumor accumulation. In this review, the importance of rational design was highlighted by summarizing the recent progress on the development of micellar formulations. Emphasis is placed on the new strategies to enhance the drug/carrier interaction for improved drug-loading capacity. In addition, the micelle-forming drug-polymer conjugates are also discussed which have both drug-loading function and antitumor activity.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported in part by NIH grants, RO1CA174305, R21CA173887, and R01GM102989.

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  1. Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, USA

    Yifei Zhang, Yixian Huang & Song Li

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  1. Yifei Zhang
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  2. Yixian Huang
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Correspondence to Song Li.

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Guest Editors: Mahavir B. Chougule and Chalet Tan

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Zhang, Y., Huang, Y. & Li, S. Polymeric Micelles: Nanocarriers for Cancer-Targeted Drug Delivery. AAPS PharmSciTech 15, 862–871 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-014-0113-z

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