NANOFIBER-BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR CANCER THERAPY: RECENT ADVANCES AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES: REVIEW

Nabamita Sen*, Fowad Khurshid, M. Ganga Raju, C. Sanjana, J. Sanjana, B. Sruthi, Maddu Ramya sree

Background: Cancer treatment often faces problems such as poor drug targeting, low bioavailability, and severe side effects. To overcome these limitations, nanofibers-based drug delivery systems have gained attention in recent years. Because of their high surface area, porous structure, and nanoscale size, nanofibers can carry drugs efficiently and release them in a controlled manner, making them useful for cancer therapy. Methods: Nanofibers are prepared using methods such as electrospinning, self-assembly, and phase separation, which allow control over fiber size and composition. Both natural and synthetic polymers that are biocompatible and biodegradable are commonly used to reduce toxicity. These nanofibers can load different anticancer agents, including chemotherapeutic drugs, proteins, genes, and immunotherapeutics. To improve targeting, nanofibers can be surface-modified with ligands, and stimuli-responsive systems are designed to release drugs in response to pH, temperature, or enzymes present in the tumor environment. Evaluation: Several preclinical studies have reported improved anticancer activity using nanofibers-based systems. These systems show better tumor suppression, reduced drug resistance, and fewer systemic side effects compared to conventional drug delivery. Encapsulation within nanofibers also helps protect drugs from degradation and improves their stability. Conclusion: Nanofibers-based drug delivery systems offer a promising and flexible approach for cancer treatment. However, challenges such as large-scale production, long-term safety, and regulatory approval still need further research before clinical application.