Dendrimers in Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis

Title: Dendrimers in Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis

Description:

AbstractThe sections in this article areOverviewIntroductionBasic Properties and Applications of DendrimersStructural Features and Chemical and Biological PropertiesBasic Features of Dendritic Macromolecules are Inspired by NatureComparison of the Properties of Dendrimers and Conventional Synthetic PolymersComparison of the Properties of Dendrimers and Proteins (a Biological Polymer)Dendritic Macromolecules Possess a Wealth of Possible ApplicationsMethods for Dendrimer SynthesisHistory and Basic StrategiesCascade Reactions are the Foundation of Dendrimer SynthesisDendrimer Synthesis has Expanded Dramatically in the Past Two DecadesStrategies, Cores, and Building Blocks for Dendritic MacromoleculesDendrimers are Constructed from Simple “Building Blocks”The Synthesis of Dendrimers Follows Either a Divergent or Convergent ApproachHeterogeneously‐functionalized DendrimersBasic Description and Synthetic ConsiderationsGlycosylation is an Example of Surface Modification with Multiple BioactivitiesDendrimers in Drug DeliveryDendrimers are Versatile Nano‐devices for the Delivery of Diverse Classes of DrugsDendritic Drug Delivery: Encapsulation of Guest MoleculesDendrimers have Internal Cavities that can Host Encapsulated Guest MoleculesUsing Dendrimers for Gene DeliveryRelease of Encapsulated “Pro‐drugs”Covalent Conjugation StrategiesDendrimers Overcome many Limitations Inherent in Polymeric Conjugation StrategiesDendrimer Conjugates can be Used as VaccinesRelease of Covalently‐delivered “Pro‐drugs”Fine‐tuning Dendrimer Properties to Facilitate Delivery and Ensure BioactivityDelivery Requires Avoiding Non‐specific Uptake“Local” Considerations: Contact with, and Uptake by, the Target CellDrug Delivery: Ensuring the Biocompatibility of Dendritic Delivery VehiclesBiocompatibility Entails Avoiding “Side Effects” such as Toxicity and ImmunogenicityWater Solubility and ImmunogenicityInherent and Induced ToxicityDendrimers in Cancer Diagnosis and TreatmentDendrimers have Attractive Properties for Cancer TreatmentDendrimer‐sized Particles Passively Accumulate at the Sites of TumorsMultifunctional Dendrimers can Selectively Target Biomarkers found on Cancer CellsMethods for Targeting Specific Biomarkers of CancerTargeting by Folate, a Small Molecule LigandTargeting by Monoclonal AntibodiesDendrimers in Cancer Diagnosis and ImagingLabeled Dendrimers are Important Research Tools for Biodistribution StudiesTowards Clinical Use:MRIImaging AgentsSteps Towards the Clinical Realization of Dendrimer‐based Cancer TherapiesThe Stage is now set for Dendrimer‐based Cancer TherapyBoron Neutron Capture TherapyInnovations Promise to Speed Progress“Mix‐and‐Match” Strategy of Bifunctional Dendritic ClustersTowards Therapeutic Exploitation of Glycosylation Abnormalities found in CancerTowards Targeting Metabolically‐engineered Carbohydrate EpitopesConcluding RemarksAcknowledgments.