Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

A Comprehensive Procedure to Evaluate the In Vivo Performance of Cancer Nanomedicines
Published on: March 4, 2017
Nanoparticle delivery systems for cancer therapy: advances in clinical and preclinical research
Susana Patricia Egusquiaguirre1, Manuela Igartua, Rosa María Hernández
1NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, University of the Basque Country, School of Pharmacy, Vitoria, Álava, Spain.
Abstract:
Conventional anticancer drugs display significant shortcomings which limit their use in cancer therapy. For this reason, important progress has been achieved in the field of nanotechnology to solve these problems and offer a promising and effective alternative for cancer treatment. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems exploit the abnormal characteristics of tumour tissues to selectively target their payloads to cancer cells, either by passive, active or triggered targeting. Additionally, nanoparticles can be easily tuned to improve their properties, thereby increasing the therapeutic index of the drug. Liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles and polymer- or lipid-drug conjugate nanoparticles incorporating cytotoxic therapeutics have been developed; some of them are already on the market and others are under clinical and preclinical research. However, there is still much research to be done to be able to defeat the limitations of traditional anticancer therapy. This review focuses on the potential of nanoparticle delivery systems in cancer treatment and the current advances achieved.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers a promising alternative to conventional cancer therapy by using nanoparticle drug delivery systems to target cancer cells. Further research is needed to overcome limitations and enhance treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Conventional anticancer drugs have significant limitations in cancer therapy.
- Nanotechnology presents a promising alternative for effective cancer treatment.
- Nanoparticle drug delivery systems exploit tumor characteristics for targeted payload delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of nanoparticle delivery systems in cancer treatment.
- To highlight current advances in nanotechnology for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of passive, active, and triggered targeting strategies.
- Development of various nanoparticle types including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and micelles.
- Inclusion of polymer- or lipid-drug conjugates with cytotoxic therapeutics.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles can be engineered to improve drug properties and therapeutic index.
- Several nanoparticle-based systems are in clinical and preclinical research.
- Nanoparticle drug delivery systems show potential for selective cancer cell targeting.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle drug delivery systems offer a promising approach to overcome limitations of traditional anticancer therapy.
- Continued research and development are crucial for advancing nanotechnology in cancer treatment.
- Nanotechnology holds significant potential for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
