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Updated: Dec 28, 2025
A Comprehensive Procedure to Evaluate the In Vivo Performance of Cancer Nanomedicines
Published on: March 4, 2017
Surface-Engineered Cancer Nanomedicine: Rational Design and Recent Progress
Javed Ahmad1, Ameeduzzafar2, Mohammad Z Ahmad1
1Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Cancer is highly heterogeneous in nature and characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled cells' growth. It is responsible for the second leading cause of death in the world. Nanotechnology is explored profoundly for sitespecific delivery of cancer chemotherapeutics as well as overcome multidrug-resistance (MDR) challenges in cancer. The progress in the design of various smart biocompatible materials (such as polymers, lipids and inorganic materials) has now revolutionized the area of cancer research for the rational design of nanomedicine by surface engineering with targeting ligands. The small tunable size and surface properties of nanomedicines provide the opportunity of multiple payloads and multivalent-ligand targeting to achieve drug efficacy even in MDR cancer. Furthermore, efforts are being carried out for the development of novel nano-pharmaceutical design, focusing on the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents simultaneously which is called theranostics to assess the progress of therapy in cancer. This review aimed to discuss the physicochemical manipulation of cancer nanomedicine for rational design and recent progress in the area of surface engineering of nanomedicines to improve the efficacy of cancer chemotherapeutics in MDR cancer as well. Moreover, the problem of toxicity of the advanced functional materials that are used in nanomedicines and are exploited to achieve drug targeting in cancer is also addressed.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers targeted cancer drug delivery to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR). Surface-engineered nanomedicines enhance chemotherapy efficacy and enable theranostics for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer's heterogeneity and uncontrolled cell growth make it a leading cause of death.
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) significantly challenges conventional cancer chemotherapy.
- Nanotechnology provides innovative solutions for site-specific drug delivery and overcoming treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in cancer nanomedicine design and surface engineering.
- To discuss strategies for improving chemotherapy efficacy in MDR cancers.
- To address the challenges of nanomedicine toxicity and the potential of theranostics.
Main Methods:
- Surface engineering of nanomedicines with targeting ligands.
- Utilizing biocompatible materials (polymers, lipids, inorganic) for nanocarrier fabrication.
- Development of nanomedicines for simultaneous therapeutic and diagnostic agent delivery (theranostics).
Main Results:
- Surface-modified nanomedicines demonstrate enhanced drug delivery and efficacy in MDR cancer models.
- Tunable size and surface properties allow for multiple payloads and multivalent targeting.
- Theranostic approaches show promise for real-time therapy monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Rational design and surface engineering of nanomedicines are crucial for effective cancer treatment.
- Nanomedicine holds significant potential to overcome MDR and improve patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to address the toxicity of advanced nanomaterials in cancer therapy.
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