Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Abstract
Conventional therapeutic strategies are hindered by the limitations of the drugs, and cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent diseases causing morbidity and mortality worldwide, which have spurred the development of innovative drug-delivery technologies. Nanoparticles have proven to be versatile biomedical platforms that are useful in the delivery, stabilization, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of anticancer agents. The small size and tunable physicochemical properties allow for the integration of small molecule drugs, proteins, nucleic acids, imaging agents and combinations of therapeutic payload. The applications of nanoparticles in the biomedical field are explored in various areas of targeted drug delivery, chemotherapy, gene and RNA therapies, immunotherapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy enhancement, magnetic hyperthermia, cancer diagnosis, molecular imaging, biosensing and theranostics. Liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, metallic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, quantum dots, protein-based nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanocarriers are the major nanoparticle systems. While significant advances have been made, barriers relating to tumor heterogeneity, biological barriers, clearance of nanoparticles, toxicity, manufacture, scale-up, reproducibility, regulatory clearance, and translation to the clinic remain. In this chapter, the major biomedical applications of nanoparticles such as drug delivery in cancer therapeutics, advantages and disadvantages, clinical relevance, and future perspectives are discussed, focusing on the mechanism of action, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. Nanotechnology can be coupled with precision oncology, artificial intelligence, personalized medicine and sophisticated molecular diagnostics to further help the development of safer and more effective cancer nanomedicines.
Author Affiliations
- 1 Tulaskar College of Pharmacy, Hinganghat, Dist. Wardha 442301, Maharashtra, India.
- 2 P. Wadhwani College of Pharmacy, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India.
- 3 NK College of Pharmacy, Khamgaon, Dist. Buldhana 444303, Maharashtra, India.
- 4 Jagadambha Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Kalamb, Dist. Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India.
- 5 Rajashri College of Pharmacy, Mehkar, Maharashtra, India.