Exploring Novel Strategies for Improving the Bioavailability of Docetaxel

Abstract

In today’s world, research has evolved a lot in the field of cancer and docetaxel (DTX) has been intensively studied for its ability to cure different types of cancers. However, the intravenous delivery of DTX puts forth various undesirable side effects, while oral delivery has its own solubility and permeability drawbacks. The advancements in research have focused on overcoming these disadvantages by developing novel and efficient DTX-based drug delivery systems. The review aims at identifying challenges faced by DTX and thereby forecasting the different DTX formulations established to surpass them. The successful DTX delivery is mediated by certain efficient nanocarriers, inclusion complexes, etc., effectively destroying the cancerous cells. The current clinical status of these formulations has also been listed in this review. The dedicated efforts of researchers have been fruitful in site-specific targeting of DTX by novel formulations, thus enhancing its antitumor effect. However, this success has been restricted only to preclinical studies and only a few formulations have entered the CTs, while none have received market approval. A deep understanding of the basics of nanoformulations, along with their toxicological insights and flexible production procedures, will help to combat the clinical hurdles faced by them.

Graphical Abstract