Recent applications of cell-penetrating peptide guidance of nanosystems in breast and prostate cancer

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are small peptides from natural sources or designed from other protein sequences that can penetrate cell membranes. This property has been used in biomedicine to add them to biomolecules to improve their capacity for cell internalization and as a guidance tool for specific cell types. CPPs have been shown to enhance cellular uptake in vitro and in vivo, improving the efficacy of anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin and paclitaxel, while also limiting their cytotoxic effects on healthy cells and tissues. The current study reviews the internalization and major therapeutic results achieved from the functionalization of nanosystems with CPPs for guidance into breast and prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the practical results obtained are specifically discussed for use as a starting point for scientists looking to begin research in this field.