A recent study analyzing drug delivery methods for oral cancer reveals ongoing difficulties in treating tumors located directly in the mouth. The mouth’s active environment, saliva production, chewing motions, tongue movement, and enzyme activity, poses significant hurdles that reduce the duration and effectiveness of medications.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents one of the most common malignancies affecting the oral cavity and head and neck region, contributing significantly to the global burden of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Direct local drug delivery could enhance treatment outcomes by increasing drug concentration at the tumor site while minimizing systemic side effects. However, the mouth’s continuous movement and saliva frequently wash away or degrade delivery systems before they can exert their intended effects.
The findings, published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, pinpoint four primary obstacles: dilution by saliva, mechanical interference from chewing or speaking, enzymatic degradation, and variations in tumor shape. These challenges mean no single delivery method can address all cases. Flat, accessible lesions may respond well to mucoadhesive films, whereas irregular or deep tumors might require injectable hydrogels or gels capable of adapting to complex surfaces.
Sprays, despite their ease of application, are quickly cleared due to salivary flow. The issue intensifies during treatment, as radiation and chemotherapy often induce dry mouth and mucosal damage, further disrupting drug release and adhesion. Formulations that perform well in controlled laboratory settings may not translate effectively to patient use.
The review examines four approaches to local OSCC treatment, including mucoadhesive films and patches, oral sprays, in-situ gels, and injectable hydrogels. Each approach carries distinct limitations. Films and patches, already approved for buccal delivery, benefit from established regulatory pathways but may not suit every tumor type. Hydrogels can penetrate deeper tissues but present challenges in production and biocompatibility. Sprays offer convenience but provide only brief exposure.
Among the evaluated options, mucoadhesive films and patches hold the most immediate promise, given their established regulatory and manufacturing frameworks. Injectable hydrogels, while showing potential for irregular lesions, require advancements in production, gelation timing, and long-term safety. The review positions these technologies as complementary rather than competing, stressing that the optimal solution depends on tumor location, drug properties, and patient-specific factors.
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