Localized Drug Delivery in Different Gastrointestinal Cancers - Navigating Challenges and Advancing Nanotechnological Solutions

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Finn

Different cancers impact the gastrointestinal tract, from the oral cavity to the colon, and current research often emphasizes systemic drug delivery, which can cause unwanted side effects and restrict therapeutic improvement. Localized delivery within GI tumors is presented as a more effective alternative, yet oral administration faces complex barriers such as variable pH, transit times, and harsh tumor microenvironments. Nano-drug delivery systems are reviewed for turning these obstacles into targeting advantages, covering challenges and recent therapeutic and diagnostic applications across multiple GI cancer sites.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages30

Reading Time1 h 16 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Challenges of traditional oral/systemic delivery

Rationale for localized nano-drug delivery

International Journal of Nanomedicine Open Access Full Text Article REVIEW Localized Drug Delivery in Different Gastrointestinal Cancers: Navigating Challengesand Advancing Nanotechnological Solutions Alexandru Madalin Hasan 1 , Simona Cavalu 1 , Ahmed Y Kira 2 , Rabab S Hamad 3 , Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim4 , Elsayed A Elmorsy 5 , Attalla F El-kott 6 , 7 , Kareem Morsy 6 , 8 , Ali S AlSheri 6 , Sally Negm 9 , Sameh Saber 10 1Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, 410087, Romania; 2Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, 11152, Egypt; 3Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra, 11961, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, 51452, Saudi Arabia; 6Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; 7Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt; 8Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 9Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and Art, Mahyel Aseer, King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia; 10Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, 11152, Egypt Correspondence: Ahmed Y Kira, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt, +11152, Tel +2 01026462867, Fax +2 0502770140, Email [ahmed.kira@deltauniv.edu.eg](ahmed.kira@deltauniv.edu.eg); Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra, 11961, Saudi Arabia, [Email m.ahmed@su.edu.sa](Email m.ahmed@su.edu.sa) | Abstract: Different types of cancers affect the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), starting from the oral cavity and extending to the colon. In general, most of the current research focuses on the systemic delivery of the therapeutic agents, which leads to undesired side effects anda limited enhancement in the therapeutic outcomes. As a result, localized delivery within gastrointestinal (GI) cancers is favorable in overcoming these limitations. However, the localized delivery via oral administration faces many challenges related to the complex structure of GIT (varied pH levels and transit times) as well as the harsh environment within tumor cells (hypoxia, efflux pumps, and acidity) . To overcome these obstacles, nano-drug delivery systems (NDDs) have been designed and proved their potential by exploiting these challenges in favor of offering a specific delivery to the desired target. The current review begins with an overview of different GI cancers and their impact globally. Then, it discusses the current treatment approaches and their corresponding limitations. Additionally, the different challenges associated with localized drug delivery for GI cancers are summarized. Finally, the review discusses in detail the recent therapeutic and diagnostic applications of NDDs that have been conducted in oral, esophageal, gastric, colon, and liver cancers, aiming to offer valuable insights into the current and future state of utilizing NDDs for the local treatment of GI cancers.
Keywords: gastrointestinal cancer, localized delivery, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, gastro-retentive delivery systems | | --- | | Introduction
The GIT is an essential system responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption. Among the different diseases that affect the GIT, GI cancers represent a major health challenge owing to the negative impact on the quality of life and the remarkably higher rates of mortality and morbidity.1 According to recent GLOBOCAN estimates, GI cancers account for 22.8% of global cancer-related mortality and 19.4% of new

FAQs

Why is localized drug delivery preferred for gastrointestinal cancers?

Systemic delivery often cannot increase drug concentration at the tumor site and may worsen side effects. Localized delivery aims to improve localization and outcomes while minimizing undesired systemic effects.

What challenges make oral localized delivery difficult in gastrointestinal tract cancers?

Oral administration must contend with the GI tract’s complex structure, including variable pH and transit times, and with the harsh tumor cell environment such as hypoxia, efflux pumps, and acidity.

How do nano-drug delivery systems help address these obstacles?

Nano-drug delivery systems are designed to exploit GI and tumor challenges to achieve more specific targeting to the desired sites, enabling both therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Finn