Mucoadhesive Polymers and Their Applications in Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Bladder Cancer

Abstract

Bladder cancer (BC) is the tenth most common type of cancer worldwide, affecting up to four times more men than women. Depending on the stage of the tumor, different therapy protocols are applied. Non-muscle-invasive cancer englobes around 70% of the cases and is usually treated using the transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBIT) followed by the instillation of chemotherapy or immunotherapy. However, due to bladder anatomy and physiology, current intravesical therapies present limitations concerning permeation and time of residence. Furthermore, they require several frequent catheter insertions with a reduced interval between doses, which is highly demotivating for the patient. This scenario has encouraged several pieces of research focusing on the development of drug delivery systems (DDS) to improve drug time residence, permeation capacity, and target release. In this review, the current situation of BC is described concerning the disease and available treatments, followed by a report on the main DDS developed in the past few years, focusing on those based on mucoadhesive polymers as a strategy. A brief review of methods to evaluate mucoadhesion properties is also presented; lastly, different polymers suitable for this application are discussed.

The Role of Mucoadhesion and Mucopenetration in the Immune Response Induced by Polymer-Based Mucosal Adjuvants

“…For at least the past four decades, multiple research groups have searched for materials for the development of mucoadhesive and/or mucopenetrating pharmaceutical formulations to improve the bioavailability of active constituents [ 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 ]. Both the adhesive and mucopenetrating properties of particulate adjuvants allow them to reach the epithelial barrier.…”

Insights into the Safety and Versatility of 4D Printed Intravesical Drug Delivery Systems

“…In this respect, avoiding repeated catheterizations, which are responsible for a dramatic decrease in patient compliance towards intravesical administration, and improving adherence as well as penetration of the administered drug into the urothelium still represent the main challenges to be overcome. Liquid formulations able to undergo an increase in their viscosity once at the target site, through the formation of gels at body temperature, were recently proven able to ensure long-lasting residence in the bladder coupled with controlled release [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Drug delivery systems (DDSs) either capable of floating into the urine or of avoiding early elimination from the target site during physiological urination thanks to a swift expansion were also proposed [ 9 , 10 , 11 ] They were generally designed to be administered via catheter and, once exhausted, to be removed in the same way or to be spontaneously eliminated following solubilization, erosion and rupture phenomena.…”

Beyond traditional therapy: Mucoadhesive polymers as a new frontier in oral cancer management

“…[ 32 ] Additionally, mucoadhesive polymers can improve patient compliance, as they reduce the frequency of drug administration and decrease the need for invasive procedures. [ 33 ] The structure of mucoadhesive polymers is crucial to their adhesive properties. These polymers are typically hydrophilic and contain functional groups, such as carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, and amino groups, that interact with the mucin layer covering the epithelial cells.…”

“…Finally, mucoadhesive polymers can provide a sustained release of drugs, allowing for a more controlled drug delivery profile, reducing the likelihood of toxicity, and increasing therapeutic efficacy. [ 33 ]…”

“…[32] Additionally, mucoadhesive polymers can improve patient compliance, as they reduce the frequency of drug administration and decrease the need for invasive procedures. [33] The structure of mucoadhesive polymers is crucial to their adhesive properties.…”