The use of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes to improve anticancer drug profiles: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been used extensively in inclusion complexes to improve the biological efficacy of complexed substances as well as to provide increased solubility and stability. We reviewed in vivo experimental studies of drug molecules complexed in cyclodextrins to evaluate whether these complexes improved bioavailability and enhanced the treatment of cancer, the second leading cause of death globally. AREA COVERED: The search terms cyclodextrins, anti-cancer, and cancer treatment were used to identify peer-reviewed publications limited to the English language in the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases published from inception until July 2019. A total of 2760 studies were identified, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria. The review showed that cyclodextrin/anticancer drug complexes enhance solubility, reduce toxicity, and improve therapeutic efficacy in in vivo tumor models in the pharmacokinetic studies detailed and described below. EXPERT OPINION: The use of cyclodextrins combined with anticancer agents can provide better encapsulation and effective delivery of drugs to optimize their efficacy. Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes might also be a promising tool to lower the therapeutic dosage levels and thereby increase the safety and curative potential of the chemotherapeutic molecules.