Carbon nanotube-mediated platinum-based drug delivery for the treatment of cancer: Advancements and future perspectives

Platinum-based drugs are among the few potent chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer treatment. The discovery of cisplatin played a pivotal role, leading to the subsequent synthesis of several platinum-based compounds such as carboplatin, oxaliplatin, nedaplatin, lobaplatin, heptaplatin, and so on, for cancer treatment. However, the clinical effectiveness of platinum-based drugs is constrained by their diverse side effects and the emergence of drug resistance in cancer cells. Recently, carbon nanotubes have garnered considerable attention for delivering platinum-based drugs. Moreover, their surface allows for the attachment of multiple ligand molecules, facilitating tumor targeting. In this context, the present review offers concise insights into carbon nanotubes, their various types, and their modifications. Furthermore, it meticulously examines the role of carbon nanotubes as carriers for platinum-based drug delivery in the treatment of various cancer types. Subsequently, the review touches upon the topic of toxicity associated with this approach, followed by an overview of relevant patents.