Magnetic Microparticles for the Site-Specific Delivery of Pharmaceutical Agents

摘要

Site-specific delivery of anti-tumor agents is an alternative approach to the systemic administration of pharmaceutical agents that could minimize the toxic side effects of these drugs while increasing their efficacy. Several technologies have been proposed, including passive accumulation within tumors (liposomes), biochemical recognition mechanisms (peptides and antibodies), direct injection (biodegradable gels), and magnetic microparticles. Magnetic Targeted Carriers (MTCs) are particles that can be used for the site-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs or radionuclides. The properties of these microparticles are described and preclinical and clinical results discussed.