Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of oncological mortality worldwide, necessitating advanced therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance mechanisms associated with conventional monotherapies. This paper comprehensively investigates the efficacy, design, and mechanisms of nanoparticle-mediated co-delivery systems that simultaneously administer chemotherapeutic drugs and genetic material to malignant cells in the colon and rectum. By exploiting the synergistic potential of concurrent drug and gene therapy, these nanoscale platforms offer a paradigm shift in precision oncology. We analyze the formulation of lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic nanocarriers, highlighting how surface modifications enable active targeting of tumor microenvironments while protecting fragile nucleic acids from degradation. Comprehensive evaluations of in vitro and in vivo models demonstrate that co-delivery systems significantly enhance cellular uptake, induce targeted apoptosis, and silence multi-drug resistance genes. The discussion synthesizes recent methodological advancements, assessing pharmacokinetic profiles, biodistribution, and systemic toxicity. Ultimately, this research underscores the transformative potential of combinatorial nanotherapeutics in clinical settings, establishing a foundation for future translational studies aimed at eradicating refractory colorectal cancer.
Authors: Hana Ma, Carol Earl, Beatriz Alvarez
Institution: The University of Melbourne
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220625047