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Published on: October 8, 2016
Nitric Oxide Nano-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapeutics: Advances and Challenges
Long Binh Vong1,2, Yukio Nagasaki3,4,5
1School of Biomedical Engineering, International University, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam.
Abstract:
Nitric oxide (NO) plays important roles in various physiological and pathological functions and processes in the human body. Therapeutic application of NO molecules has been investigated in various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infections. However, the extremely short half-life of NO, which limits its clinical use considerably, along with non-specific distribution, has resulted in a low therapeutic index and undesired adverse effects. To overcome the drawbacks of using this gaseous signaling molecule, researchers in the last several decades have focused on innovative medical technologies, specifically nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDSs), because these systems alter the biodistribution of the therapeutic agent through controlled release at the target tissues, resulting in a significant therapeutic drug effect. Thus, the application of nano-systems for NO delivery in the field of biomedicine, particularly in the development of new drugs for cancer treatment, has been increasing worldwide. In this review, we discuss NO delivery nanoparticle systems, with the aim of improving drug delivery development for conventional chemotherapies and controlling multidrug resistance in cancer treatments.
Insights
Nitric oxide (NO) nanoparticles offer a promising solution for cancer treatment by overcoming NO's short half-life and improving drug delivery. This approach enhances chemotherapy efficacy and combats multidrug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) has therapeutic potential in diseases like cancer but suffers from a short half-life and poor distribution.
- Conventional NO delivery methods face limitations, leading to low therapeutic indices and adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) for nitric oxide (NO) delivery.
- To explore the application of NO-delivering nanosystems in cancer treatment and chemotherapy enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on NO delivery nanoparticle systems.
- Analysis of how DDSs improve therapeutic agent biodistribution and controlled release.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle DDSs can overcome the limitations of free NO, improving its therapeutic potential.
- NO delivery nanosystems show promise for enhancing conventional chemotherapy and managing multidrug resistance in cancer.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle-based NO delivery is a significant advancement in cancer therapy.
- These systems offer a strategy to improve drug delivery, enhance chemotherapy, and overcome multidrug resistance.
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