How Does Nanotechnology Improve Paclitaxel Delivery?
Nanotechnology improves paclitaxel delivery through several mechanisms:
- Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) Effect: Nanocarriers can exploit the EPR effect, which allows them to preferentially accumulate in tumor tissues due to leaky vasculature and poor lymphatic drainage in tumors.
- Targeted Delivery: Functionalization of nanocarriers with targeting ligands (e.g., antibodies, peptides) allows selective binding to cancer cell receptors, increasing the concentration of paclitaxel at the tumor site while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
- Controlled Release: Nanocarriers can be engineered to release paclitaxel in a controlled manner, ensuring a sustained therapeutic effect and reducing the frequency of administration.
