Researchers examine barriers to oral cancer drug delivery

A collaborative study by researchers from Indonesia, Japan, and China has examined the challenges and potential strategies for delivering drugs directly to oral tumor sites. Led by Professor Nurhasni Hasan of Hasanuddin University, the review focuses on treating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a common malignancy of the oral cavity and head and neck region.

Effective local drug delivery faces significant biological and mechanical hurdles. Factors such as saliva, chewing, tongue movement, and enzymes can dilute, degrade, or dislodge medication. These factors create what researchers describe as ‘hard constraints’ for maintaining consistent drug release at the lesion site.

The research emphasizes the need for delivery systems—such as mucoadhesive films, patches, oral sprays, and in-situ gels—that are tailored to the specific tumor, drug, and patient. Successful local administration aims to increase drug exposure to the tumor while minimizing systemic side effects throughout the body.