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Published on: December 1, 2013
Functional Nanomedicines for Targeted Therapy of Bladder Cancer
Chao Tang1, Heng Liu1, Yanpeng Fan1
1Department of Urology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Abstract:
Bladder cancer is one of most common malignant urinary tract tumor types with high incidence worldwide. In general, transurethral resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer followed by intravesical instillation of chemotherapy is the standard treatment approach to minimize recurrence and delay progression of bladder cancer. However, conventional intravesical chemotherapy lacks selectivity for tumor tissues and the concentration of drug is reduced with the excretion of urine, leading to frequent administration and heavy local irritation symptoms. While nanomedicines can overcome all the above shortcomings and adhere to the surface of bladder tumors for a long time, and continuously and efficiently release drugs to bladder cancers. The rapid advances in targeted therapy have led to significant improvements in drug efficacy and precision of targeted drug delivery to eradicate tumor cells, with reduced side-effects. This review summarizes the different available nano-systems of targeted drug delivery to bladder cancer tissues. The challenges and prospects of targeted therapy for bladder cancer are additionally discussed.
Insights
Nanomedicines offer a targeted approach to bladder cancer treatment, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. This review explores nano-systems for targeted bladder cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Urology
Background:
- Bladder cancer is a prevalent malignancy requiring effective treatment to prevent recurrence and progression.
- Current standard treatment involves transurethral resection and intravesical chemotherapy, which has limitations.
- Conventional chemotherapy lacks tumor selectivity, leading to frequent dosing and local irritation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available nano-systems for targeted drug delivery to bladder cancer tissues.
- To discuss the advantages of nanomedicines over conventional intravesical chemotherapy.
- To explore challenges and future prospects of targeted therapy for bladder cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on nanomedicine applications in bladder cancer.
- Analysis of nano-systems designed for targeted drug delivery.
- Discussion of targeted therapy advancements and their impact.
Main Results:
- Nanomedicines demonstrate potential for improved drug adherence and sustained release in bladder tumors.
- Targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy and precision.
- Nanomedicines can mitigate side effects associated with conventional treatments.
Conclusions:
- Nanomedicine represents a promising strategy for enhancing bladder cancer treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
- Targeted drug delivery systems offer a more selective and efficient approach to eradicating tumor cells.
- Further research and development are crucial to overcome challenges and realize the full potential of targeted therapy for bladder cancer.
