Manufacturing Techniques: Polymer Implants as Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

The manufacturing processes of polymeric implants for controlled drug release suggest a promising perspective of use for chemotherapeutic treatments. The objective of this study was to carry out a bibliographical survey of the last 10 years with experimental works to draw up a profile of methodologies and results achieved in this area. The literature search revealed 739 references, of which 19 were selected. The manufacturing by extrusion and injection are the most used. Regarding geographical distribution, Brazil occupies the 2nd place in the general list. The analysis of the literature on controlled release techniques of chemotherapeutic drugs demonstrates the scarce production in this area. It would be of great interest to have more studies on this topic, since it would be an alternative in the chemotherapeutic treatment.