Application of nanoformulations as a strategy to optimize chemotherapeutic treatment of glioblastoma: a systematic review

The aim of this review was to explore the advances of nanoformulations as a strategy to optimize glioblastoma treatment, specifically focusing on targeting and controlling drug delivery systems to the tumor. This review followed the PRISMA recommendations. The studies were selected through a literature search conducted in the electronic databases PubMed Central, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science, in April 2023, using the equation descriptors: (nanocapsule OR nanoformulation) AND (glioblastoma). Forty-seven investigations included were published between 2011 and 2023 to assess the application of different nanoformulations to optimize delivery of chemotherapies including temozolomide, carmustine, vincristine or cisplatin previously employed in brain tumor therapy, as well as investigating another 10 drugs. Data demonstrated the possible application of different matrices employed as nanocarriers and utilization of functionalizing agents to improve internalization of chemotherapeutics. Functionalization was developed with the application of peptides, micronutrients/vitamins, antibodies and siRNAs. Finally, this review demonstrated the practical and clinical application of nanocarriers to deliver multiple drugs in glioblastoma models. These nanomodels might ideally be developed using functionalizing ligand agents that preferably act synergistically with the drug these agents carry. The findings showed promising results, making nanoformulations one of the best prospects for innovation and improvement of glioblastoma treatment.