Degradable water-soluble polymer prodrugs for subcutaneous delivery of irritant anticancer drugs.

ABSTRACT: Chemotherapy is primarily administered intravenously (IV), but this route poses significant challenges (e.g., high costs, patient discomfort, logistical difficulties, side effects such as infections from catheter use). Although oral and subcutaneous (SC) routes are preferred for their convenience and have the potential for better patient comfort and cost reduction, oral chemotherapy faces issues like poor bioavailability and adherence, while SC delivery is unsuitable for irritant or vesicant drugs due to local toxicity. To overcome these limitations, the polymer prodrug strategy has been explored, where drugs are linked to a polymer, reducing toxicity and enhancing drug delivery. Recent work has focused on creating water-soluble polymer prodrugs for SC delivery of paclitaxel (Ptx),

SUBMITTER: Guerassimoff L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12243153 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature