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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
Nanomaterials for Antiangiogenic Therapies for Cancer: A Promising Tool for Personalized Medicine
Hashem O Alsaab1,2, Alanoud S Al-Hibs3, Rami Alzhrani1
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Several studies have shown that vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) plays a leading role in angiogenesis progression. Antiangiogenic medication has gained substantial recognition and is commonly administered in many forms of human cancer, leading to a rising interest in cancer therapy. However, this treatment method can lead to a deteriorating outcome of resistance, invasion, distant metastasis, and overall survival relative to its cytotoxicity. Furthermore, there are significant obstacles in tracking the efficacy of antiangiogenic treatments by incorporating positive biomarkers into clinical settings. These shortcomings underline the essential need to identify additional angiogenic inhibitors that target numerous angiogenic factors or to develop a new method for drug delivery of current inhibitors. The great benefits of nanoparticles are their potential, based on their specific properties, to be effective mechanisms that concentrate on the biological system and control various important functions. Among various therapeutic approaches, nanotechnology has emerged as a new strategy for treating different cancer types. This article attempts to demonstrate the huge potential for targeted nanoparticles and their molecular imaging applications. Notably, several nanoparticles have been developed and engineered to demonstrate antiangiogenic features. This nanomedicine could effectively treat a number of cancers using antiangiogenic therapies as an alternative approach. We also discuss the latest antiangiogenic and nanotherapeutic strategies and highlight tumor vessels and their microenvironments.
Insights
Targeted nanoparticles offer a promising approach to cancer therapy by inhibiting angiogenesis, a key process in tumor growth. This nanomedicine strategy overcomes limitations of current antiangiogenic drugs and aids in molecular imaging for treatment monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Angiogenesis, driven by vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), is crucial for cancer progression.
- Current antiangiogenic therapies face challenges including drug resistance, metastasis, and difficulties in monitoring treatment efficacy.
- There is a critical need for novel antiangiogenic inhibitors and improved drug delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of targeted nanoparticles in cancer therapy and molecular imaging.
- To highlight the development and application of nanoparticles with antiangiogenic features.
- To review the latest antiangiogenic and nanotherapeutic strategies for targeting tumor vasculature.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on angiogenesis, antiangiogenic therapies, and nanotechnology in cancer.
- Analysis of nanoparticle properties and their engineered antiangiogenic functionalities.
- Discussion of molecular imaging applications of targeted nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles offer unique properties for targeted drug delivery and therapeutic intervention in cancer.
- Engineered nanoparticles demonstrate significant antiangiogenic potential for cancer treatment.
- Nanomedicine presents a viable alternative approach for antiangiogenic cancer therapies.
Conclusions:
- Targeted nanoparticles hold immense promise for developing effective antiangiogenic cancer treatments.
- Nanotechnology provides innovative solutions for drug delivery and molecular imaging in oncology.
- Further research into nanotherapeutic strategies is essential for advancing cancer care.
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