clinical trials

Breast cancer is a leading contributor of cancer-related death among women throughout the world. Exemestane (EXE), a third-generation irreversible aromatase inhibitor, is widely employed for the management of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Although the clinical efficacy of EXE is well established, poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, short plasma half-life, and low permeability limit its therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, the advancement of drug delivery technologies which can improve the pharmacokinetics profile, therapeutic efficacy, and tumor specific accumulation becomes important. In light of the above, the current review summarizes various formulation strategies of EXE including lipid-based nanoparticles, nanoemulsion, lipid nanocapsules, nanoparticles, liposomes, to name a few. However, polymeric mixed micelles are emerging as an effective nanocarrier system because they can improve drug solubilization, enhance cellular uptake, prolong systemic circulation, and facilitate passive tumor targeting. This review discusses the advantages and characterization techniques of polymeric micelles as a drug delivery system with special emphasis on methods of preparation, micellar architecture, and selection of polymers. Furthermore, the review explores polymeric micelles currently approved for clinical usage and undergoing clinical trials for an effective management of cancer. Additionally, incorporating micellar formulations into injectable hydrogels has gained popularity among the research community as it facilitates localised drug delivery and reduces the off target side effects thereby, improve the overall therapeutic efficacy. These advantages underscore the need for EXE encapsulated polymeric micelles integrated in situ hydrogel system to ensure sustained release and maintain therapeutic concentration of EXE to improve the breast cancer treatment. neena.pharma@gndu.ac.in