Advances in Camptothecin-Class Compounds Nanomedicines: A Comprehensive Review of Antitumor Strategies

Camptothecin-class compounds are anticancer active ingredients extracted from the Chinese unique medicinal plant, Camptotheca acuminata. They have been widely applied in the treatment of various cancers due to their high efficacy and broad-spectrum anti-cancer properties. This article summarizes the latest research progress over the past decade on various types of nanocarriers for camptothecin drugs. We discuss the nanodrug delivery systems for camptothecin compounds in four perspectives: passive targeting nanoparticles, active targeting nanoparticles, tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles and exogenous stimulus-responsive nanoparticles. We also elaborate on the advantages of delivery nanoparticles, in vivo release characteristics and antitumor therapeutic effects. The purpose of this article is to provide a theoretical basis and innovative perspectives for the clinical application of the camptothecin drugs and the development of new pharmaceuticals.