Polymeric Micelles: Nanocarriers for Cancer-Targeted Drug Delivery

Polymeric micelles represent an effective delivery system for poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs. With small size (10–100 nm) and hydrophilic shell of PEG, polymeric micelles exhibit prolonged circulation time in the blood and enhanced tumor accumulation. In this review, the importance of rational design was highlighted by summarizing the recent progress on the development of micellar formulations. Emphasis is placed on the new strategies to enhance the drug/carrier interaction for improved drug-loading capacity. In addition, the micelle-forming drug-polymer conjugates are also discussed which have both drug-loading function and antitumor activity.