Polysaccharides carrier as oral colon-specific drug delivery for colon cancer treatment

Abstract

Colon cancer is the third highest incidence in cancer mortality in both sexes combined and a total of 639,000 deaths are reported worldwide each year. Typical chemotherapy is provided by injection route to reduce tumor growth and metastasis. In comparison to injection, oral administration of drugs in the form of a colon-specific delivery system is expected to increase drug bioavailability at target site, reduce drug dose and systemic adverse effects. Polysaccharides are suitable for use as matrix and/or coat material can protect drugs from chemical and enzymatic degradation concerning oral delivery. This present review gives an overview on application of chitosan, pectin, and alginate with respect to their use as drug carrier for oral colon cancer treatment.