Qianhan Lin,1 Jiajia Li,1 Zulimire Abudousalamu,1 Yating Sun,1 Mengyang Xue,1 Liangqing Yao,2 Mo Chen1 

1Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Liangqing Yao; Mo Chen, Email yaoliangqing@163.com; chenmo_nicy@163.com

Abstract: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal reproductive system cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death. The high mortality rate and poor prognosis of OC are primarily due to its tendency for extensive abdominal metastasis, late diagnosis in advanced stages, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, significant adverse reactions to first-line chemotherapy, and the development of chemoresistance. Current adjuvant chemotherapies face challenges such as poor targeting, low efficacy, and significant side effects. Targeted drug delivery systems (TDDSs) are designed to deliver drugs precisely to the tumor site to enhance efficacy and minimize side effects. This review highlights recent advancements in the use of TDDSs for OC therapies, including drug conjugate delivery systems, nanoparticle drug delivery systems, and hydrogel drug delivery systems. The focus is on employing TDDS to conduct direct, effective, and safer interventions in OC through methods such as targeted tumor recognition and controlled drug release, either independently or in combination. This review also discusses the prospects and challenges for further development of TDDSs. Undoubtedly, the use of TDDSs shows promise in the battle against OCs.

Keywords: targeted drug delivery, ovarian cancer, drug conjugates, nanoparticle, hydrogel