Analysing Expert Perspectives on the Integration of Targeted Drug Delivery (TDD) Mechanisms with Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE): A Quantitative Study on Opportunities and Barriers in Advancing Precision Gastrointestinal Therapies

Abstract

In this study we aim to examine experts’ views on the opportunities and challenges posed by this integration and the role that it might be expected to play as part of a wider move towards personalised care. The research aims were to review state-of-the-art technologies pertaining to WCE and drug delivery, gather feedback via expert opinion from clinicians, engineers and pharmaceutical scientists and identify the technical, clinical and regulatory challenges as well as the future prospects for expanded use. A quantitative research design was utilised and an ANSI structured questionnaire was proposed to be administered to a purposive sample from clinicals, engineering and pharmaceuticals. The responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results demonstrate that, although WCE has considerable potential as a non-invasive and patient-acceptable diagnostic and therapeutic modality, barriers to its widespread application exist. These are restrictions in capsule navigation, power consumption, biosensor integration, drug stability, dosage control, and regulatory approval mechanisms. Still, some experts were hopeful about artificial intelligence, high-tech bio-sensors and multidisciplinary teams of researchers that could help clear these hurdles. It is argued, in this review, that effective incorporation of drug delivery strategies to WCE systems will depend on close convergence of technological innovation, clinical validation and regulatory acceptance. Strategic investment in R&D, clinician education, and global regulatory harmonization will be critical to move the needle on adoption. Finally, this study helps fill some of these gaps by providing a holistic, expert-driven assessment of WCE applications, and a roadmap for the potential role WCE play in the development of the next generation of precision GI therapies.