Lipid-drug conjugates for the treatment of glioblastomas

Abstract

This chapter investigates the novel application of lipid-drug conjugates (LDCs) in glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Despite multimodal treatment advancements, GBM has an overall poor prognosis because of its fast growth rate, invasive nature, and current treatment resistance. Furthermore, existing treatment options are hampered by the blood–brain barrier’s selective inhibition, high systemic toxicity, and low capacity to deliver the drug to the tumor. The application of LDC avoids these shortcomings due to the high biocompatibility and permeability of lipid-based nanoparticles, which improves drug solubility, allows for sustained release, and promotes drug delivery. It focuses on the molecular biology of GBM and the underperformance of current treatments while considering the reasons LDCs are more effective in crossing the blood-brain barrier and targeting tumor cells. The various LDC forms, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers, and the way they work all contribute to this aim. It concludes with future research directions, including the initiation of clinical trials to verify their safety and effectiveness, as new and alternative treatments are still being explored for GBM.