Small molecules and peptide ligands directed nano-therapeutics for precise oncological phototherapy: Emphasis towards enhancing chemotherapeutic active tumor targeting efficacy

Abstract

Oncological phototherapy has been receiving an immense attention from the medical community for treating malignancies. It merges two interventions of phototherapy approaches, photodynamic and photothermal therapies with chemotherapeutic drug-loaded nanocarriers. This assimilation leverages the safe, non-invasive nature of near irradiated (NIR) light to irradicate the tumor zone, along with the capability of the nanocarriers to passively target the compromised cancer vasculature. Targeting potential is further enhanced through decorating the surface of nanocarriers by targeting ligands allowing the recognition and binding of nanocarriers to tumor cells. This eventually leads to the selective delivery of their chemotherapeutic cargo into the cancerous cells while sparing the healthy ones. Small molecules and peptides are particularly appealing targeting moieties due to their ease of targeting, reduced immunogenicity, and attractive pharmacokinetics properties. This review emphasizes on the current ongoing advancement in the integration of dual phototherapy/chemotherapy with small molecules and peptide-based targeted nanocarriers.