Types of Nanoparticles Used in Cancer Therapy
Abstract
Cancer therapy continues to be challenged by tumour heterogeneity, systemic toxicity, multidrug resistance, inadequate drug penetration and biological barriers. Nanoparticle-based drug-delivery systems have therefore attracted considerable interest because their size, surface chemistry, composition and architecture can be engineered to influence pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, tumour accumulation and intracellular delivery. This chapter reviews the major nanoparticle platforms investigated in cancer therapy, with emphasis on organic systems such as polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and cyclodextrin nanosponges, and inorganic systems such as carbon-based nanoparticles, quantum dots, metallic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles and silica nanoparticles. The principles of passive and active tumour targeting are discussed, including the enhanced permeability and retention effect, ligand-receptor-mediated uptake and interactions with the tumour microenvironment. The potential of nanoparticles to improve drug exposure, facilitate combination therapy, address multidrug resistance and assist delivery across difficult biological barriers is also considered. Finally, the chapter summarizes the biological, technological, manufacturing and study-design challenges that limit clinical translation and outlines future opportunities for safer, more predictable and patient-oriented cancer nanomedicine.
Author Affiliations
- 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Siddhi College of Pharmacy, Chikhali, Pune, India.
- 2 Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Divine College of Pharmacy, Satana.
- 3 Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Divine College of Pharmacy, Satana.