Targeted nanodrug delivery strategies for precision chemotherapy in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies globally, with chemotherapy remaining a cornerstone treatment for advanced and metastatic cases. However, traditional chemotherapy is limited by poor targeting, low bioavailability, and systemic toxicity, necessitating the development of precise chemotherapy strategies. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising platform to address these limitations by enabling targeted drug delivery. This review systematically synthesises advancements in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems and their targeting strategies, emphasising their application in prostate cancer therapy. Active targeting approaches leverage cell membrane receptors, such as prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), folate receptor, transferrin receptor, and CD44, as biomarkers. Corresponding ligands, including PSMA ligands, folate derivatives, transferrin, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate, and DUP-1, are used to modify nanocarriers, conferring precise targeting capabilities to loaded chemotherapeutics. Additionally, bioinspired strategies employing cell membrane encapsulation and magnetic field-guided delivery are discussed. Meanwhile, the review comprehensively summarises the research advancements of nanodelivery systems in combination therapy involving chemotherapy and radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and other modalities. Through a categorised analysis of the developments and challenges of these nanotechnologies, this review intends to furnish references and new orientations for the research and application of precise chemotherapy in prostate cancer.