Cyclodextrin nanosponges as potential anticancer drug delivery systems to be introduced into the market, compared with liposomes

Cancer treatment strategy requires the employment of drug delivery systems to overcome the barriers in current chemotherapies. Cyclodextrin nanosponges (CDNSs) which have been studying since 2006 in the pharmaceutical field, would be a candidate in advancing medical treatments, such as cancer therapy. These nano-systems encompass many properties that may lead to their usage as anticancer carriers but they need to be analyzed in depth. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the research works that have been studied about the vehicle and compare it with a commercialized one, liposome. Here, both of the nano-systems were analyzed about the in-vitro and in-vivo properties, capacity of macromolecules encapsulation, and applications in 3-D printing technology. This comparison revealed that most of the CDNSs' characteristics are in line with the liposomes in cancer treatment, but it deserves further experiments and studies for the future. More investigation may result in better function of the mentioned vehicles. Therefore, promoted drug efficacy with minimal side effects would be reached. Generally, research works about CDNSs are in progress and they deserve to reach the trade market shortly.