AUTHOR=Zhu Na , Guo Ruijuan , Jiang Yanyan , Xu Mingling 

TITLE=CD44 targeted functionalized nanocarriers for non-small cell lung cancer

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1692667

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2025.1692667

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a significant worldwide health concern, requiring novel treatment strategies. This review presents the potential of CD44-targeted functionalized nanocarriers as effective tools for treating NSCLC. CD44, a glycoprotein found on surface of cells, is known for being excessively expressed in NSCLC, making it a promising target for targeted drug delivery. The review begins by examining CD44 as a crucial biomarker in NSCLC. The text provides an overview of molecular features of NSCLC. These fundamental concepts provide the framework for comprehending the reasoning behind the focused strategy of medication delivery using nanocarriers. The review discusses the importance of key factors, such as the dimensions, morphology, and electrostatic properties of nanocarriers, in relation to their influence on interactions with CD44 receptors. The review provides an assessment of preclinical and clinical research that has examined the use of CD44-targeted nanocarriers in the treatment of NSCLC. The review further provides an analysis of safety concerns and possible difficulties, like immunogenicity and off-target effects, in relation to CD44-targeted nanocarriers. This review provides helpful guidance to researchers and clinicians who are interested in using CD44-targeted nanocarriers for more precise and efficient therapies of NSCLC.