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A Comprehensive Procedure to Evaluate the In Vivo Performance of Cancer Nanomedicines
Published on: March 4, 2017
Nano-Based Approved Pharmaceuticals for Cancer Treatment: Present and Future Challenges
Francisco Rodríguez1, Pablo Caruana1, Noa De la Fuente2
1Grup d'Oncologia Ginecològica i Peritoneal, Institut d'Investigacions Biomédiques Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. To date, and despite the advances in conventional treatment options, therapy in cancer is still far from optimal due to the non-specific systemic biodistribution of antitumor agents. The inadequate drug concentrations at the tumor site led to an increased incidence of multiple drug resistance and the appearance of many severe undesirable side effects. Nanotechnology, through the development of nanoscale-based pharmaceuticals, has emerged to provide new and innovative drugs to overcome these limitations. In this review, we provide an overview of the approved nanomedicine for cancer treatment and the rationale behind their designs and applications. We also highlight the new approaches that are currently under investigation and the perspectives and challenges for nanopharmaceuticals, focusing on the tumor microenvironment and tumor disseminate cells as the most attractive and effective strategies for cancer treatments.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers improved cancer treatment by enhancing drug delivery to tumors, overcoming resistance, and reducing side effects. This review covers approved nanomedicines and future strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment and disseminate cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally.
- Conventional cancer therapies suffer from non-specific biodistribution, leading to drug resistance and severe side effects.
- Nanotechnology presents innovative solutions for targeted cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review approved nanomedicines for cancer treatment.
- To discuss the design principles and applications of nanopharmaceuticals.
- To explore emerging strategies focusing on the tumor microenvironment and disseminate cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of approved nanomedicines.
- Analysis of nanopharmaceutical design and application rationale.
- Discussion of novel therapeutic approaches and challenges.
Main Results:
- Nanomedicines demonstrate potential for improved drug concentration at tumor sites.
- Targeting the tumor microenvironment and disseminate cells shows promise for enhanced efficacy.
- Several nanopharmaceuticals are approved, with ongoing research into new applications.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology offers a promising avenue to overcome limitations in current cancer therapy.
- Future nanopharmaceutical development should focus on precise targeting of tumor sites and metastatic cells.
- Addressing challenges in nanomedicine is crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
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