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Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Recent advances in targeted nanomedicine as promising antitumor therapeutics
Siddhanth Hejmady1, Rajesh Pradhan1, Amit Alexander2
1Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
Abstract:
A tumor serves as a major avenue in drug development owing to its complexity. Conventional therapies against tumors possess limitations such as suboptimal therapeutic efficacy and extreme side effects. These display poor pharmacokinetics and lack specific targeting, with non-specific distribution resulting in systemic toxicity. Therefore, nanocarriers targeted against cancers are increasingly being explored. Nanomedicine aids in maintaining a balance between efficacy and toxicity by specifically accumulating in tumors. Nanotherapeutics possess advantages such as increased solubility of chemotherapeutics, encapsulation of multiple drugs and improved biodistribution, and can ensure tumor-directed drug delivery and release via the approaches of passive targeting and active targeting. This review aims to offer a general overview of the current advances in tumor-targeting nanocarriers for clinical and diagnostic use.
Insights
Nanomedicine utilizes targeted nanocarriers to improve cancer drug delivery, balancing efficacy and reducing toxicity. This approach enhances drug solubility and biodistribution for better tumor treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Conventional cancer therapies face challenges including poor efficacy, severe side effects, and non-specific drug distribution leading to systemic toxicity.
- Tumor complexity presents significant hurdles in effective drug development and treatment strategies.
- The need for improved drug delivery systems that enhance therapeutic outcomes while minimizing adverse effects is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in nanocarriers designed for tumor targeting.
- To explore the potential of nanomedicine in overcoming the limitations of traditional cancer therapies.
- To discuss the clinical and diagnostic applications of tumor-targeted nanocarriers.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on nanocarrier systems for cancer therapy.
- Analysis of passive and active targeting strategies for tumor-specific drug delivery.
- Examination of nanotherapeutics' advantages, including improved solubility, drug encapsulation, and biodistribution.
Main Results:
- Nanomedicine offers enhanced drug solubility and allows for the encapsulation of multiple chemotherapeutics.
- Targeted nanocarriers demonstrate improved biodistribution, leading to specific accumulation within tumors.
- Passive and active targeting strategies facilitate tumor-directed drug delivery and controlled release.
Conclusions:
- Nanocarriers represent a promising frontier in oncology, offering a strategy to improve the therapeutic index of cancer drugs.
- Targeted nanomedicine holds potential for balancing treatment efficacy with reduced systemic toxicity.
- Further exploration of tumor-targeting nanocarriers is crucial for advancing clinical and diagnostic cancer care.
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