Macromolecular therapeutics

J Control Release. 2014 Sep 28:190:288-303. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.04.013. Epub 2014 Apr 18.

Abstract

This review covers water-soluble polymer-drug conjugates and macromolecules that possess biological activity without attached low molecular weight drugs. The main design principles of traditional and backbone degradable polymer-drug conjugates as well as the development of a new paradigm in nanomedicines - (low molecular weight) drug-free macromolecular therapeutics are discussed. To address the biological features of cancer, macromolecular therapeutics directed to stem/progenitor cells and the tumor microenvironment are deliberated. Finally, the future perspectives of the field are briefly debated.

Keywords: Cancer; Degradable polymeric carriers; Drug-free macromolecular therapeutics; Macromolecular therapeutics; N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide; Water-soluble polymers.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Carriers* / history
  • Drug Design
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Macromolecular Substances* / chemistry
  • Macromolecular Substances* / history
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Polymers* / chemistry
  • Polymers* / history
  • Solubility
  • Stem Cells

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Polymers