Utilizing the folate receptor for active targeting of cancer nanotherapeutics

TLDR

Nanoparticle-based cancer detection and therapy is expanding, with strategies to target treatments directly to tumor cells—particularly via the highly overexpressed folate receptor—to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity. This mini‑review examines recent studies using folate nanoconjugates to target the folate receptor. The authors review the design of folate nanoconjugates that bind the folate receptor for targeted delivery.

Abstract

The development of specialized nanoparticles for use in the detection and treatment of cancer is increasing. Methods are being proposed and tested that could target treatments more directly to cancer cells, which could lead to higher efficacy and reduced toxicity, possibly even eliminating the adverse effects of damage to the immune system and the loss of quick replicating cells. In this mini-review we focus on recent studies that employ folate nanoconjugates to target the folate receptor. Folate receptors are highly overexpressed on the surface of many tumor types. This expression can be exploited to target imaging molecules and therapeutic compounds directly to cancerous tissues.