Localized chemotherapy through nanofiber scaffolds: Progress, challenges, and future directions.

Abstract

Nanofiber-based localized chemotherapy has attracted growing attention as an effective approach to address the shortcomings of conventional systemic cancer therapies by enabling site-specific, sustained, and controlled drug delivery. This review focuses on the emerging role of implantable nanofibrous drug delivery systems in improving cancer treatment outcomes by reducing systemic side effects, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and improving local tumor management. Special emphasis is placed on electrospinning, a widely used and flexible fabrication method for producing nanofibrous scaffolds, and on the development of chitosan-based nanocomposites and other functional polymer systems that offer high drug-loading capacity and adjustable release behavior. In addition, tumor-targeted drug delivery strategies, including surface modification and ligand-receptor-mediated targeting, are discussed for their potential to improve treatment selectivity and address multidrug resistance. Key challenges related to clinical translation, safety considerations, large-scale fabrication, and long-term performance are also critically analyzed. Finally, the review outlines future research directions aimed at advancing nanofiber-based localized chemotherapy toward practical clinical applications.