Polymeric drug delivery of platinum-based anticancer agents

Platinum-based anticancer agents such as cisplatin and carboplatin are in widespread clinical use but associated with many side effects. Improving the delivery of cytotoxic platinum compounds may lead to reduced side effects and achieve greater efficacy at lower doses. Polymer-based therapeutics have been investigated as potential drug delivery vehicles for platinum-based drugs. Against a background of the chemistry and pharmacology of cytotoxic platinum compounds, this review discusses the formation and properties of platinum-polymer complexes, dendrimers, micelles, and microparticulates. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:2299-2316, 2009