Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
07:54
Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
Published on: March 25, 2019
Nanotechnology in cancer therapy
Burcu Aslan1, Bulent Ozpolat, Anil K Sood
1Department of Experimental Therapeutics .
Journal of Drug Targeting
|October 2, 2013
Summary
Novel nanocarriers enhance cancer therapy by protecting drugs and targeting tumors, minimizing side effects. Rational nanoparticle design is crucial for effective drug delivery and improved patient outcomes in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, necessitating advanced therapeutic strategies.
- Nanomaterials and nanocarriers represent a significant advancement in improving cancer drug delivery.
- Current nanocarrier applications aim to protect drugs from degradation and ensure therapeutic concentrations at tumor sites while minimizing off-target effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel and improved strategies in nanocarrier design for enhanced cancer therapy.
- To highlight the role of nanocarriers in protecting drugs and achieving targeted delivery.
- To discuss the importance of rational nanoparticle design in optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on nanocarrier design for cancer therapy.
- Analysis of passive and active targeting strategies for drug delivery.
- Examination of the impact of nanoparticle characteristics (size, charge, shape, surface) on biodistribution and efficacy.
Main Results:
- Nanocarriers protect therapeutic agents from degradation and enable targeted delivery to tumor sites.
- Passive targeting exploits leaky tumor vasculature, while active targeting utilizes ligands for enhanced tumoral uptake.
- Rational design of nanoparticles, considering physical and structural characteristics, is critical for optimizing drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and safety.
Conclusions:
- Novel nanocarrier strategies offer significant potential for improving cancer treatment efficacy.
- Targeted drug delivery via nanocarriers can enhance antitumor activity and reduce adverse effects.
- Continued research into rational nanoparticle design is essential for advancing cancer nanomedicine.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
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...
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...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
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...
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...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
02:18Cancer
Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.