Developing docetaxel-loaded nanocapsules: A promising approach for cancer therapy

This study has summarized the development of Docetaxel (DOC) loaded nanocapsules (NCs) intended for breast cancer (BC) therapy. These NCs are composed of a lipid core to encapsulate the hydrophobic DOC and a polymeric shell for surface functionalization. DOC was efficiently encapsulated within the oily core of NCs. The critical role of stabilizers on NCs stealthiness and anticancer drug efficacy was investigated. The potential impact of surface chemistry on the cytotoxicity and phagocytic clearance of NCs for a subsequent improvement of the efficacy of DOC in BC treatment was explored. The in vitro cell culture studies in cancer cell lines showed a significant enhancement of the cytotoxicity of DOC due to its high loading within the NCs. Interestingly, the NCs were stable during storage and could be efficiently transformed into powder form using freeze-drying method. It is also hypothesized that DOC-loaded hyaluronic acid (HA) grafted oily core NCs can enhance the drug cytotoxicity and uptake in CD44 expressing BC cells (MDA-MB 231). These novel nanostructures hold the promise to support the potential clinical application and cost-effectiveness of innovative nanotherapeutics in cancer therapy.