#Indonesia #Drug Delivery #Oral Cancer #Hasanuddin University #Makassar

Innovative Drug Delivery Approaches to Treat Oral Cancers

Delivering effective treatment directly to oral cancer sites is a complex challenge faced by researchers and clinicians alike. As highlighted in a recent review by Professor Nurhasni Hasan from Hasanuddin University in Indonesia, effective drug delivery must not only consider the formulation of medications but also the unique conditions within the oral environment, particularly in cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

The mouth poses numerous challenges for drug delivery due to its dynamic nature, rich in saliva, and exposure to frequent movement. Traditional methods of delivering medication often fall short, as drugs may not remain in contact with tumor sites long enough to ensure therapeutic efficacy. Professor Hasan emphasizes that while developing better formulations for drug delivery is important, it is equally crucial to evaluate whether these formulations are applicable to the specific clinical situations encountered.

The review, published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, discusses various innovative delivery systems such as mucoadhesive films, patches, oral sprays, in-situ gels, and injectable hydrogels. Importantly, the researchers suggest that no one-size-fits-all formulation exists; rather, the choice of delivery system should be informed by several factors, including the type of drug, the tumor's location and morphology, the intended duration of treatment, and the patient’s individual needs.

For instance, flat and easily accessible lesions may respond well to mucoadhesive films that adhere to the mucosal surface, providing a localized treatment effect. Conversely, irregularly shaped or infiltrative tumors may require more adaptable solutions, such as gels or injectable hydrogels, which can accommodate complex tissue contours and potentially achieve better drug retention.

Another consideration is the practicality of administering these treatments. While oral sprays offer a sum of convenience, they may have a reduced contact time due to cleansing effects from saliva, potentially limiting their effectiveness for sustained drug delivery.

The oral environment can further complicate treatment as the conditions within the mouth can change significantly during the course of cancer therapy. For example, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may lead to a condition known as xerostomia, or dry mouth, which can adversely affect drug release and adhesion at the treatment site. This necessitates that researchers develop and test these delivery systems under realistic oral conditions that simulate salivary flow, mechanical stress on the tissue, pH changes, and the presence of enzymes.

Professor Hasan concludes that the overarching goal of these innovations should be to create a more predictable framework for local treatment of oral cancers. This means ensuring that the delivery systems are not only suitable for research application but are also feasible for use in real-world clinical settings.

By identifying adaptable and clinically relevant delivery mechanisms, the research spearheaded by Professor Hasan and international collaborators from China and Japan could pave the way for more effective treatments for patients suffering from oral cancers, enhancing their quality of life and treatment outcomes. This critical review underlines the need for ongoing evaluation and innovation in the field of oral drug delivery, aimed at overcoming the unique challenges posed by the oral cavity during cancer treatment.