Specific delivery of kinase inhibitors in nonmalignant and malignant diseases

Introduction: Kinase inhibitors have been hailed as a breakthrough in the treatment of cancer. Extensive research is now being devoted to the development of kinase inhibitors as a treatment for many nonmalignant diseases. However, the use of kinase inhibitors in both malignant and nonmalignant diseases is also associated with side effects and the development of resistance. It may be worthwhile to explore whether cell-specific delivery of kinase inhibitors improves therapeutic efficacy and reduces side effects. Areas covered: This review aims to provide an overview of the preclinical studies performed to examine the specific targeting of kinase inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. It gives an introduction to kinase signaling pathways induced during disease, along with the possible problems associated with their inhibition. It also discusses the studies on specific delivery and shows that altering the specificity of kinase inhibitors by targeting methods improves their effectivity and safety. Expert opinion: Compared with the delivery of cytotoxic compounds, the specific delivery of kinase inhibitors has not yet been studied extensively. The studies discussed in this review provide an insight into methods used to target kinase inhibitors to different organs. The targeting of different kinase inhibitors has improved their therapeutic possibilities, but many questions still remain to be studied.