αvβ3 integrin targeting RGD peptide-based nanoparticles as an effective strategy for selective drug delivery to tumor microenvironment

Integrin αvβ3 is crucial in the process of angiogenesis, present in both tumoral endothelium cells and some tumor cells. Most RGD peptides have a strong affinity for the αvβ3 integrin. Targeting tumor cells or tumor vasculature using RGD-based techniques is a promising approach in delivering anticancer medications or contrast chemicals for cancer therapy and diagnosis in an attempt to circumvent the inherent pitfalls of conventional cancer therapies. With high specificity and endothelial cell attachment potential towards integrin-expressing neoplastic cells, RGD-modified nanoparticles increase the accumulation and internalization of drug-loaded nanoparticles in cancer cells. This review concentrates on the importance of RGD-assisted targeted therapies using the extraordinary potential of nanomedicine in various cancers. This review also summarizes various types of nanoparticles that have been explored with RGD functionalization.