Nanocarriers Based Anticancer Drugs: Current Scenario and Future Perceptions

Rakesh Raj, Pooja Mongia, Suresh Kumar Sahu

  • 1Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishvavidyalaya, Bilaspur, C.G. 495009, India. rakeshraj82@gmail.com.

Current Drug Targets
|July 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Nanotechnology enhances anticancer therapies by improving drug delivery to target sites, reducing side effects. Nanocarriers offer improved cancer cell targeting and controlled drug release for better treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Research
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Anticancer therapies require precise delivery of bioactives to target sites to minimize off-target effects.
  • Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are crucial for modifying biodistribution, tissue uptake, and pharmacokinetics of therapeutic agents.
  • Controlled release from nanocarriers can significantly enhance drug efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current information on pharmaceutical nanocarriers for cancer therapy and imaging.
  • To highlight the potential of nanotechnology in revolutionizing cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  • To discuss the advantages of nanocarriers in reducing cytotoxic effects and improving cancer cell targeting.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pharmaceutical nanocarriers.
  • Analysis of various nanocarrier types including quantum dots, liposomes, nanotubes, nanoparticles, micelles, gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and solid lipid nanoparticles.
  • Focus on applications in cancer therapy and imaging.

Main Results:

  • Nanocarriers can enhance therapeutic effects through controlled release and improved targeting.
  • Nanotechnology offers potential for targeted nano-medicines in treating various cancers.
  • Nanocarriers reduce the cytotoxic effects of anticancer drugs compared to conventional formulations.

Conclusions:

  • Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are vital for advancing cancer treatment.
  • Various nanodevices show promise for diverse cancer therapies and diagnostics.
  • Targeted delivery via nanocarriers improves efficacy and reduces side effects in cancer treatment.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted 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...
9.1K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

1.8K
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers01:24

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
114
Cancer02:18

Cancer

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.
55.9K
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

1.5K
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
1.3K