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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

A Comprehensive Procedure to Evaluate the In Vivo Performance of Cancer Nanomedicines
Published on: March 4, 2017
Safety Considerations of Cancer Nanomedicine-A Key Step toward Translation
Xiangsheng Liu1,2, Ivanna Tang1, Zev A Wainberg3,4
1Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
Abstract:
The rate of translational effort of nanomedicine requires strategic planning of nanosafety research in order to enable clinical trials and safe use of nanomedicine in patients. Herein, the experiences that have emerged based on the safety data of classic liposomal formulations in the space of oncology are discussed, along with a description of the new challenges that need to be addressed according to the rapid expansion of nanomedicine platform beyond liposomes. It is valuable to consider the combined use of predictive toxicological assessment supported by deliberate investigation on aspects such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and toxicokinetic profiles, the risk that may be introduced during nanomanufacture, unique nanomaterials properties, and nonobvious nanosafety endpoints, for example. These efforts will allow the generation of investigational new drug-enabling safety data that can be incorporated into a rational infrastructure for regulatory decision-making. Since the safety assessment relates to nanomaterials, the investigation should cover the important physicochemical properties of the material that may lead to hazards when the nanomedicine product is utilized in humans.
Insights
Strategic nanosafety research is crucial for advancing nanomedicine clinical trials. Evaluating physicochemical properties and toxicological profiles ensures the safe use of novel nanomaterials in patients.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Toxicology
- Oncology
Background:
- The rapid advancement of nanomedicine necessitates robust safety research to support clinical translation.
- Existing safety data from liposomal formulations in oncology provides a foundation but is insufficient for emerging platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss experiences from liposomal nanomedicine safety data in oncology.
- To identify new challenges in nanomedicine safety research beyond liposomes.
- To propose a framework for generating regulatory-ready safety data for nanomedicines.
Main Methods:
- Review of safety data from established liposomal nanomedicines.
- Identification of emerging challenges in nanomedicine development.
- Emphasis on integrating predictive toxicology, ADME/toxicokinetics, manufacturing risks, material properties, and novel safety endpoints.
Main Results:
- Lessons learned from liposomal oncology formulations highlight the need for comprehensive safety assessments.
- The expansion of nanomedicine platforms presents unique safety challenges requiring new investigation strategies.
- A combined approach using predictive toxicology and detailed characterization is essential.
Conclusions:
- Strategic planning of nanosafety research is vital for enabling clinical trials and patient safety.
- A rational infrastructure for regulatory decision-making requires robust investigational new drug-enabling safety data.
- Thorough evaluation of physicochemical properties is critical for assessing nanomedicine hazards.
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