Introduction to Cancer and Targeted Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS)

Ms. Prerana S. Pawar¹, Mr. Sushant M. Ahire², Mr. Vijay V. Shewale³, Dr. Shivraj P. Jadhav¹, Dr. Sunil K. Mahajan²

Abstract

Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. Conventional treatment approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, often suffer from limitations such as systemic toxicity, poor selectivity, and drug resistance. Targeted Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS) have emerged as an effective strategy to overcome these challenges by delivering therapeutic agents directly to tumor tissues while minimizing damage to healthy cells. This chapter discusses cancer biology, tumor microenvironment, principles of passive and active targeting, various drug delivery carriers, and the applications of TDDS in cancer therapy. Recent advances in nanotechnology and precision medicine are also highlighted, emphasizing the potential of TDDS to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes.

Author Affiliations

• ¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Divine College of Pharmacy, Satana.
• ² Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Divine College of Pharmacy, Satana.
• ³ Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, Divine College of Pharmacy, Satana.

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