Polymer-drug conjugates have been intensely studied in the context of improving cancer chemotherapy and yet the only polymer-drug conjugate on the market (Movantik^®) has a different therapeutic application (relieving opioid-induced constipation). In parallel, a number of studies have recently been published proposing the use of this approach for treating diseases other than cancer. In this commentary, we analyse the many and very diverse applications that have been proposed for polymer-drug conjugates (ranging from inflammation to cardiovascular diseases) and the rationales underpinning them. We also highlight key design features to be considered when applying polymer-drug conjugates to these new therapeutic areas.

聚合物-药物缀合物已经被深入研究改善癌化学疗法的上下文中，但唯一的市场（Movantik聚合物-药物缀合物^®）具有不同的治疗应用（减轻阿片样物质引起的便秘）。同时，最近发表了许多研究，建议使用这种方法来治疗癌症以外的疾病。在这篇评论中，我们分析了聚合物-药物结合物（从炎症到心血管疾病）的许多非常广泛的应用以及它们的理论基础。我们还重点介绍了将聚合物-药物偶联物应用于这些新的治疗领域时要考虑的关键设计特征。