Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
07:59
A Comprehensive Procedure to Evaluate the In Vivo Performance of Cancer Nanomedicines
Published on: March 4, 2017
9.5K
Design considerations for nanotherapeutics in oncology
Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos1, Rakesh K Jain2
1Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Nanomedicine : Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine
|August 19, 2015
Summary
Designing nanoparticles carefully can improve cancer treatment by overcoming tumor barriers. Optimizing nanomedicine delivery enhances therapeutic effects and patient quality of life, despite modest survival improvements.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology applications in oncology
- Nanomedicine and drug delivery systems
Background:
- Nanotherapeutics improve cancer patient quality of life by reducing chemotherapy side effects.
- Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect is key for nanocarrier drug delivery but can be a barrier.
- Nanoparticle design is crucial for overcoming tumor microenvironment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review clinically-approved nanoparticles, their strengths, and limitations.
- Evaluate design parameters for optimizing nanomedicine delivery.
- Discuss strategies for improving solid tumor treatment.
Main Methods:
- In-depth review of nanoparticle platforms in cancer therapeutics.
- Analysis of design parameters influencing drug delivery.
- Evaluation of active targeting and drug release effects.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle formulation design can overcome tumor microenvironment barriers.
- Optimized delivery parameters enhance intratumoral drug distribution.
- Careful design leads to improved treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Strategic nanoparticle design is essential for effective cancer nanomedicine.
- Modulating design parameters can overcome delivery barriers.
- Active targeting benefits depend on specific tumor conditions.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
9.1K
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...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.1K
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
1.8K
1.8K
02:49Cancer Therapies
10.6K
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...
10.6K
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
112
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
112
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
6.3K
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...
6.3K
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
114
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