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Published on: October 8, 2016
Application of Nano Drug Delivery System (NDDS) in Cancer Therapy: A Perspective
Junyu Liu1, Shuqin Li1, Jia Wang1
1Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China.
Background:
Cancer is the biggest killer that threatens human health. Poor bioavailability and strong drug resistance of cancer drugs are common defects. In recent years, drug delivery therapy based on nanotechnology has become a focused research area, and nano drug delivery system has been widely studied in cancer treatment.
Objectives:
Based on the articles and patents published on the application of nano drug delivery systems in cancer treatment in the past five years, this paper summarizes the types of nano drug delivery systems and their advantages and limitations in cancer treatment in order to provide a reference for future anticancer research on nano drug delivery systems.
Methods:
This perspective summarizes the types of nano drug delivery systems and their advantages and limitations in cancer treatment in recent five years, and proposes the development direction of nano drug delivery systems in the future.
Results:
Based on the review of articles and patents, we found that the nano drug delivery system is mainly divided into encapsulated nano drug delivery system and covalently bound nanoprodrug delivery system. Its advantages in cancer treatment are mainly reflected in enhancing drug stability, improving bioavailability, reducing toxicity and better application in cancer diagnosis. However, nano drug delivery system is a new field of science, some of these drug delivery systems might have high toxicity and low bioavailability; the off-target phenomenon often occurs, and most studies are just focused on the early stage, its mechanism of action, clinical efficacy and patient tolerance, and the toxicity of treatment remains to be further investigated.
Conclusion:
This perspective systematically summarizes the types of nano drug delivery systems and their advantages and limitations in cancer treatment based on the published articles and patents obtained in the last five years. Future research on nano drug delivery system should consider the potential risks, and stable and efficient nano drug delivery systems should be designed to treat cancer by changing or functionalizing the nanomaterial.
Insights
Nano drug delivery systems offer enhanced cancer treatment by improving drug stability and bioavailability. However, further research is needed to address potential toxicity and off-target effects for safer and more effective cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally.
- Conventional cancer drugs suffer from poor bioavailability and drug resistance.
- Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are a key research area for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nano drug delivery systems for cancer treatment.
- To summarize types, advantages, and limitations of these systems.
- To provide insights for future anticancer research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of articles and patents.
- Analysis of nano drug delivery systems in cancer treatment over the last five years.
- Identification of system types, benefits, and drawbacks.
Main Results:
- Nano drug delivery systems are mainly encapsulated or covalently bound.
- Advantages include enhanced drug stability, improved bioavailability, reduced toxicity, and diagnostic applications.
- Limitations involve potential toxicity, off-target effects, and early-stage research.
Conclusions:
- Nano drug delivery systems show promise but require further investigation.
- Future research should focus on minimizing risks and designing stable, efficient systems.
- Functionalizing nanomaterials is key for improved cancer treatment.
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