Heliyon (Apr 2024)
Nanocarrier-mediated cancer therapy with cisplatin: A meta-analysis with a promising new paradigm
Abstract
Aims: Cisplatin is a frontline chemotherapeutic utilized to attenuate multiple cancers in the clinic. Given its side-effects, a new cisplatin formulation which could prevent cytotoxicity, metabolic deficiencies and metastasis is much needed. This study investigates whether nanocarriers can provide a better mode of drug delivery in preclinical cancer models seeking a potent anticancer therapeutic agent. Materials and methods: The PubMed database was searched, and 242 research articles were screened from which 94 articles qualified for selection from those published by December 31, 2023 and the data was synthesized using the Review Manager software. Key findings: Cisplatin encapsulated as a nanomedicine confirmed the versatility of nanocarriers in significantly diminishing cancer cell viability, half maximal inhibitory concentration, tumour volume, biodistribution of platinum in tumours and kidney; at p < 0.00001 and a 95% confidence interval. Significance: An estimated 19.3 million global cancer incidence is reported with 50% mortality worldwide for which nanocarrier-mediated cisplatin therapy is most promising. Our findings offer new vistas for future cancer treatment when combined with chemo-immunotherapy that utilizes the recently advanced nanozymes. Plain language summary: Nanocarriers versus free drug therapy in cancer resolution: Cisplatin is a widely used cancer medication for regulating and resolving tumour progression. It is still the choice of clinicians for treating many types of cancer although it causes severe side effects. Weight loss is a prominent drawback for prescribing cisplatin, induced by loss of appetite, impaired digestion and nausea. Another major problem associated with cisplatin usage is toxicity in the kidneys that would need more drugs for containing not only the cancers but also kidney dysfunction. Thirdly, a recent growing concern is the patients developing resistance to cisplatin therapy. No alternatives have been found as remedial treatment for cisplatin's negative outcomes yet. Nanocarriers have been shown to successfully control cancer by delivering cisplatin directly to the tumour site in mouse models, and we have evaluated their potential benefits in a meta-analysis for the first time. Our parameters in assessing nanocarrier-entrapped cisplatin versus free cisplatin therapy have yielded favourable results in showing that when administered within nanocarriers, cisplatin acquires enhanced ability to suppress cancer cell multiplication while keeping the major side effects at a minimum.
