Biophysical delivery of peptides: Applicability for cancer therapy

There is a current trend towards evaluation of molecular agents for treatment of a variety of ailments, including cancer. One class of such biomolecules is proteins, and their shortened versions, peptides. Use of peptidic entities has been hindered by poor bioavailability in vivo and the high cost involved in mass-producing these macromolecular drugs. The need for localized delivery is being met with the development of various biophysical means, which include devices and aids, mainly transdermal and invasive implants. In addition, various cell-based delivery modalities, which include the use of spore-forming bacteria and stem cells, are being explored. This review discusses these methods in turn, and examines ways by which these can be enhanced for peptide delivery to tumors. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.