A brief review on cell penetrating peptides for cancer treatment

Abstract

Efficient transportation of imaging reagents and medications to tumors is vital for the detection and treatment of cancer. Peptides have several advantages, including biocompatibility, simplicity of synthesis, reduced size, ability to avoid off-target negative effects, and the ability to achieve favorable effects with lower doses. Cell penetrating peptides (CPP) possess the unique ability to traverse cell membranes and facilitate the transport of therapeutic drugs across the plasma membrane. Although there has been notable advancement in the design and use of CPP, further research is necessary to better their targeted delivery to tumors, while minimizing adverse effects and improving treatment effectiveness. CPPs have also been utilized in many pre-clinical and clinical trials for the treatment of cancer disease. Developing next-generation CPPs with higher cell penetration, stability, and selectivity can boost the drug delivery approach by creative design or chemical alterations. Recent CPP-based targeted cell penetration advancements provide emerging optimization strategies.