Comparative analysis of the methods of drug and protein delivery for the treatment of cancer, genetic diseases and diagnostics

Abstract

The methods of protein and drug delivery for the treatment of cancer, genetic diseases and diagnostics were summarized. The potential of protein transduction is discussed and the recent developments in the field are reviewed. An overview is provided of the non-viral delivery methods such as liposomes, polymer-based delivery, cell-penetrating peptides, bacterial secretion, cells, virosomes, physical methods including electroporation, microinjection, osmotic lysis, nanoparticles, sonoporation to locally inject therapeutic molecules. The characteristic properties of non-viral vectors and their use for the delivery of therapeutic molecules for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and to target tumors are also discussed. The potential of the transduced peptides and proteins was used as new therapeutic compounds against infectious diseases, to complement deficiencies in specific genes, to specifically kill tumour cells, for gene therapy. The protein delivery vectors can enhance the transfection at low concentrations and help to develop future gene delivery systems with reduced toxicity. Vitamin B12, folic acid, biotin, and riboflavin are essential in the treatment of cancer. Ultrasound has a potential in the delivery of therapeutic agents. The new developing technologies of drug delivery and targeting offer the possibility to improve the therapeutic possibilities of the existing drugs and to develop novel therapeutics.