Poly(α-hydroxy acid)-Based Nanoparticles for Drug/Gene Delivery for Cancer Therapy

Abstract In recent years, nanoparticle drug delivery systems have received increased attention in cancer therapy. Polylactic acid (PLA) and polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) are biodegradable polymers that are extensively used in nanoparticle formulations for anticancer drug delivery. PLA or PLGA nanoparticles are known to improve drug pharmacokinetics, safety, and, ultimately, therapeutic efficiency by passive or active targeting to tumors. This chapter will provide an overview of PLA and PLGA nanoparticles and their application as drug delivery systems in different cancers. The characteristics of PLA and PLGA nanoparticles, preparation methods, encapsulation of drugs with different physicochemical properties, surface modifications with targeting ligands, and copolymer associations for improved drug delivery properties, including drug release mechanisms, are discussed. Modifications in PLA/PLGA nanoparticles systems and their implication in their functional properties, tailored for drug delivery in specific cancer types, are detailed. The chapter concludes with the current experience, limitations, and overview of some of the ongoing and future trends in the applications of PLA/PLGA nanoparticles in cancer therapy.