Nanotechnology-assisted combination drug delivery: a progressive approach for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia

Ther Deliv. 2024;15(11):893-910. doi: 10.1080/20415990.2024.2394012. Epub 2024 Sep 13.

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a heterogeneous hematopoietic cancer prevalent in adults, has been a leading cause of leukemia-associated deaths for decades. Despite advancements in understanding its pathology and pharmacological targets, therapeutic strategies have seen minimal change. The standard treatment, combining cytarabine and anthracycline, has persisted, accompanied by challenges such as pharmacokinetic issues and non-specific drug delivery, leading to severe side effects. Nanotechnology offers a promising solution through combination drug delivery. FDA-approved CPX351 (VYXEOS™) a liposomal formulation delivering doxorubicin and cytarabine, exemplifies enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Ongoing research explores various nanocarriers for delivering multiple bioactives, addressing drug targeting, pharmacokinetics and chemoresistance. This review highlights nanotechnology-based combination therapies for the effective management of AML, presenting a potential breakthrough in leukemia.

Keywords: acute myeloid leukemia; combination delivery; nanoparticles; nanotechnology; targeted delivery.

Plain language summary

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Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Cytarabine* / administration & dosage
  • Daunorubicin
  • Doxorubicin* / administration & dosage
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / drug therapy
  • Liposomes
  • Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles
  • Nanotechnology / methods

Substances

  • Cytarabine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Liposomes
  • CPX-351
  • Drug Carriers
  • Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
  • Daunorubicin