Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Localized chemotherapy through nanofiber scaffolds: Progress, challenges, and future directions

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Akram Firouzi-Amandi 1, 2
Seyed Abbas Shahrtash 2
Samaneh Moradi 3
Mehdi Dadashpour 4, 5, 6
Tohid Kazemi 1, 7
1 Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2 Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Departments of Internal Medical, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
4 Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
5 Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
6 Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
7 Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
10.22038/ijbms.2026.92375.19939
Abstract
Nanofiber-based localized chemotherapy has attracted growing attention as an effective approach to address the shortcomings of conventional systemic cancer therapies by enabling site-specific, sustained, and controlled drug delivery. This review focuses on the emerging role of implantable nanofibrous drug delivery systems in improving cancer treatment outcomes by reducing systemic side effects, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and improving local tumor management. Special emphasis is placed on electrospinning, a widely used and flexible fabrication method for producing nanofibrous scaffolds, and on the development of chitosan-based nanocomposites and other functional polymer systems that offer high drug-loading capacity and adjustable release behavior. In addition, tumor-targeted drug delivery strategies, including surface modification and ligand–receptor-mediated targeting, are discussed for their potential to improve treatment selectivity and address multidrug resistance. Key challenges related to clinical translation, safety considerations, large-scale fabrication, and long-term performance are also critically analyzed. Finally, the review outlines future research directions aimed at advancing nanofiber-based localized chemotherapy toward practical clinical applications.
Keywords
Cancer treatment
Drug delivery
Electrospun nanofibers
Localized chemotherapy
Nanomedicine
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 14 July 2026