Flutamide Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles for prostate Cancer: A Review

Abstract

Flutamide is a potent nonsteroidal anti androgen used to treat advanced prostate cancer. It blocks the androgen receptors on the cancer cells and inhibits the androgen dependent cell growth. This work was planned to compile the research work available in the scientific publications in the formulation and evaluation of Flutamide loaded polymeric nanoparticles for the treating the prostate cancer including the study of influence of various formulation components such as polymer concentration, organic phase volume, drug content, stabilizer concentrations and the ratio between aqueous to organic phase in the characteristics of nanoparticles. Literature study revealed that, methods like Ionic Gelation Technique, Solvent Evaporation method and Nanoprecipitation have been utilized and polymers like Chitosan, casein, Methacrylic acid, PHEA-IB-p(BMA) graft copolymer, mPEG – PLGA and PVA have been utilized. The drug loaded polymeric nanoparticles were evaluated for their physiocochemical properties along with characterization with FTIR, in vitro release and in vitro and in vivo anticancer potential. From the literature it was understood that, nanoprecipitation method was the most commonly used method in various research perspectives. Based on the findings of the present review, Flutamide loaded polymeric nanoparticles may be used as an treatment adjunctive for prostate cancer.