Drug Nanocarriers as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common tumors with high mortality and a very aggressive nature. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the penetration of chemotherapy drugs into the tumor tissue. Recent studies have shown that the use of various drug nanocarriers to treat GBM can provide new and effective strategies. These nanocarriers have been successful in targeted drug delivery and mainly include carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, microcapsules, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, niosomes, liposomes, and pyrosomes. The ability to accurately and directly deliver drugs to GBM cells via nanocarriers has been able to increase the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs.

In this review article, the use of different types of drug nanocarriers is reviewed in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, and the future therapeutic perspectives of this method are discussed to overcome the limitations of GBM therapy.