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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
A Comprehensive Procedure to Evaluate the In Vivo Performance of Cancer Nanomedicines
Published on: March 4, 2017
Selective targeting of cancer signaling pathways with nanomedicines: challenges and progress
Harshita Abul Barkat1, Sabya Sachi Das2, Md Abul Barkat1
1Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al Batin, Al Jamiah, Hafr Al-Batin, 39524, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Regardless of advances in understanding the molecular mechanics of cancer, its treatment is still lacking and the death rates for many forms of the disease remain the same as six decades ago. Although a variety of therapeutic agents and strategies have been reported, these therapies often failed to provide efficient therapy to patients as a consequence of the inability to deliver right and adequate chemotherapeutic agents to the right place. However, the situation has started to revolutionize substantially with the advent of novel 'targeted' nanocarrier-based cancer therapies. Such therapies hold great potential in cancer management as they are biocompatible, tailored to specific needs, tolerated and deliver enough drugs at the targeted site. Their use also enhances the delivery of chemotherapeutics by improving biodistribution, lowering toxicity, inhibiting degradation and increasing cellular uptake. However, in some instances, nonselective targeting is not enough and the inclusion of a ligand moiety is required to achieve tumor targeting and enhanced drug accumulation at the tumor site. This contemporary review outlines the targeting potential of nanocarriers, highlighting the essentiality of nanoparticles, tumor-associated molecular signaling pathways, and various biological and pathophysiological barriers.
Insights
Targeted nanocarrier therapies offer promising advancements in cancer treatment by improving drug delivery and reducing toxicity. Ligand-functionalized nanoparticles are essential for precise tumor targeting and enhanced drug accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, with conventional treatments often lacking efficacy due to poor drug delivery.
- Despite advances in understanding cancer's molecular mechanisms, effective therapeutic strategies are still needed.
- Targeted nanocarrier-based therapies represent a revolutionary approach to cancer management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the targeting potential of nanocarriers in cancer therapy.
- To highlight the importance of nanoparticles in drug delivery.
- To discuss tumor-associated signaling pathways and biological barriers.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on nanocarrier-based cancer therapies.
- Analysis of nanoparticle properties and their role in drug delivery.
- Examination of biological and pathophysiological barriers affecting cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- Nanocarriers enhance chemotherapeutic delivery by improving biodistribution, lowering toxicity, and increasing cellular uptake.
- Ligand-functionalized nanocarriers are crucial for achieving specific tumor targeting and drug accumulation.
- Nanocarrier-based therapies offer biocompatibility, tailored delivery, and improved patient tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Targeted nanocarriers hold significant potential for revolutionizing cancer treatment.
- Optimizing nanocarrier design and understanding biological barriers are key to successful cancer therapy.
- Further research into ligand-mediated targeting can enhance drug efficacy and patient outcomes.
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