Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor, with a median survival of only 12–15 months despite current treatments with surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide (TMZ). Although TMZ induces cytotoxic DNA methylation in tumor cells, its efficacy is often limited by resistance mechanisms. To overcome these limitations, alternative therapeutic strategies—such as targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway with MEK inhibitors like trametinib and selumetinib—are being explored. However, their clinical success is currently hindered by inadequate delivery across the blood–brain barrier and dose-limiting toxicity. Nanoparticles, particularly positively charged systems, offer enhanced cellular uptake and therapeutic performance due to their strong interactions with negatively charged cell membranes. Cyclodextrin (CD)-based polymers are promising systems owing to their low toxicity and ability to form inclusion complexes with drugs. In this work, two cationic CD polymers were investigated as potential nanocarriers for GB therapy based on trametinib and selumetinib. Their multivalent architecture and positive charge can acilitate both the encapsulation of drugs and membrane interactions. These systems present promising andidates for enhancing the efficacy of GB treatment.
Heptakis (6-deoxy-6-amino)-β-cyclodextrin heptahydrochloride (6-CDNH2) was acquired from CycloLab Ltd. Soluble (2-hydroxy-3-N,N,Ntrimethylamino) propyl-beta-cyclodextrin polymer crosslinked with EPI (QABCDPS, 74 kDa, about 45 CD cavities) was purchased from CarboHyde.
Noemi Bognanni, Maria Teresa Gentile, Antonia Feola, Valentina Giglio, Martina Dragone, CarlaIsernia, Graziella Vecchio, (2026) Positively Charged Polymers Based on Cyclodextrins for Trametinib and Selumetinib Delivery in Glioblastoma Cancer. ChemMedChem 21, 202501004. https://doi.org/10.1002/cmdc.202501004