A review on nanostructured chitosan platforms for controlled and targeted delivery of paclitaxel in lung cancer treatment.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with limitations in conventional chemotherapy such as poor solubility, systemic toxicity, and drug resistance significantly impairing treatment outcomes. In 2022, lung cancer remained the most diagnosed cancer, with approximately 2.5 million new cases globally, accounting for 12.4% of all cancers, and caused an estimated 1.8 million deaths nearly 19% of all cancer fatalities. Paclitaxel, a first-line chemotherapeutic, is hindered by low aqueous solubility and dose-limiting toxicities. To address these challenges, extensive research has focused on nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, particularly chitosan, a biodegradable, biocompatible, and mucoadhesive natural polysaccharide. This review comprehensively explores the potential of chitosan-based nanocarriers including nanoparticles, micelles, hydrogels, and conjugates for the delivery of Paclitaxel in lung cancer therapy. Key properties such as improved solubility, enhanced permeability and retention effect, controlled drug release, and tumor-targeting capability are highlighted. In addition, functional modifications of chitosan for active targeting and combination therapy are discussed, along with insights from preclinical and emerging clinical studies. The review also outlines translational challenges including large-scale production, regulatory hurdles, safety evaluation, and cost-effectiveness. Collectively, evidence suggests that chitosan-based delivery systems hold promise to improve the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel while minimizing adverse effects, offering a potential pathway towards more effective and patient-friendly lung cancer management.