RT Journal Article ID 46117cdf071106dd A1 Upadhyay, K. K. A1 Agrawal, H. G. A1 Upadhyay, C. A1 Schatz, C. A1 Le Meins, J. F. A1 Misra, Ambikanandan A1 Lecommandoux, Sebastian T1 Role of Block Copolymer Nanoconstructs in Cancer Therapy JF Critical Reviews™ in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems JO CRT YR 2009 FD 2009-08-28 VO 26 IS 2 SP 157 OP 205 K1 polymeric vesicles K1 chemotherapeutic agents K1 liposomes K1 polymer-based nanoconstructs K1 self-assembled block copolymers K1 micelles K1 vesicles K1 solubility K1 targeting AB Drug, gene, and protein delivery is a very challenging and exciting area in nanobiotechnology where block copolymers are increasingly considered especially as carriers for pharmacotherapy of various cancers. Cancer chemotherapy is particularly challenging because of nonselective distribution of drugs, associated severe toxicity, multidrug resistance, and chronic treatments influencing the quality-adjusted life of patients. These limitations lead to incomplete cure and render many drugs ineffective in treating cancers. Liposomes are currently more advanced in clinical trials and industrial developments but they lack stability and pose difficulties in functionalizing liposomes. More recently, various types of polymer-based nanoconstructs have been designed and synthesized, and are being investigated for the cancer chemotherapy applications. This review discusses the most significant and recent developments on specific self-assembled block copolymers as a carrier system such as micelles and vesicles, which can be successfully used to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic drugs, helpful in targeting selective sites in the body, delivering active molecules in a control manner, and reducing the side effects in the treatment of cancer. PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/3667c4ae6e8fd136,02790d0a312372fc,46117cdf071106dd.html