Use of nanoparticles in animal models for prostate cancer treatment: a systematic review

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review of nanoparticles’ use in the treatment of prostate cancer in animals. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Cochrane Library, and EMBASE, and the descriptors were chosen based on terms indexed in Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS)/Medical Subject Headings (MESH), which are: nanoparticles, nanomedicine, and prostate cancer. The systematic review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with ID CRD42021271008. RESULTS: A total of 3,897 articles was chosen; after reading the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six scientific articles with themes involving nanoparticles carrying medications were reached. Among the nanoparticles found, there were carboxymethylcellulose polymer, micellar casein nanoparticles, liquid crystal nanoparticles, serum albumin nanoparticles, and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide (mPEG-PLA) conjugated nanoparticles encapsulating cabazitaxel, docetaxel, and flutamide, which were nanoparticles used to treat prostate cancer in animals. CONCLUSIONS: Through using nanoparticles to encapsulate medications for treating prostate cancer in animals, studies show a decrease in weight and tumor reduction, with nanoparticles resulting in greater survival time than free medications. The improved permeability and retention effect of nanoparticles in the bloodstream contribute to their effectiveness.