Oral Nano-Formulation Conversion of Paclitaxel: A Translational Approach Toward Improved Bioavailability and Patient-Centered Chemotherapy

Abstract

Paclitaxel is one of the most widely prescribed chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of breast, ovarian, lung, and several other solid malignancies. Despite its proven clinical efficacy, its administration remains largely restricted to intravenous infusion because of poor aqueous solubility, extensive first-pass metabolism, and active efflux by intestinal transport proteins. These limitations contribute to treatment-related inconvenience, increased healthcare costs, and reduced patient comfort. Advances in nanotechnology have created new opportunities to overcome these barriers and facilitate the development of orally administered paclitaxel formulations. This review explores current strategies for converting paclitaxel into an oral nano-formulation capable of improving gastrointestinal absorption while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. Various nano-delivery platforms, including lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, and nano-emulsions, are evaluated for their ability to enhance drug solubility, protect the drug from degradation, prolong systemic circulation, and enable controlled release. Evidence from preclinical and translational studies suggests that nano-encapsulation may significantly improve bioavailability while reducing peak-dose toxicity associated with conventional intravenous administration. Oral nano-formulations also offer potential advantages in terms of patient adherence, outpatient treatment feasibility, and healthcare resource utilization. Although several technological and regulatory challenges remain, ongoing developments in nano-pharmaceutical science support the future clinical translation of oral paclitaxel therapy. The successful development of an effective oral nano-paclitaxel formulation could represent a major advancement in patient-centered cancer treatment by improving convenience, safety, and therapeutic outcomes.