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Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment Using Nanomedicines
Akshansh Sharma1, Devanshi Shambhwani2, Sadanand Pandey3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173229, India.
Abstract:
Carcinoma of the lungs is among the most menacing forms of malignancy and has a poor prognosis, with a low overall survival rate due to delayed detection and ineffectiveness of conventional therapy. Therefore, drug delivery strategies that may overcome undesired damage to healthy cells, boost therapeutic efficacy, and act as imaging tools are currently gaining much attention. Advances in material science have resulted in unique nanoscale-based theranostic agents, which provide renewed hope for patients suffering from lung cancer. Nanotechnology has vastly modified and upgraded the existing techniques, focusing primarily on increasing bioavailability and stability of anti-cancer drugs. Nanocarrier-based imaging systems as theranostic tools in the treatment of lung carcinoma have proven to possess considerable benefits, such as early detection and targeted therapeutic delivery for effectively treating lung cancer. Several variants of nano-drug delivery agents have been successfully studied for therapeutic applications, such as liposomes, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, hydrogels, and micelles. In this Review, we present a comprehensive outline on the various types of overexpressed receptors in lung cancer, as well as the various targeting approaches of nanoparticles.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers new hope for lung cancer patients by improving drug delivery and enabling early detection. Nanoscale theranostic agents enhance treatment efficacy and reduce damage to healthy cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Material Science
Background:
- Lung carcinoma has a poor prognosis due to late detection and ineffective conventional treatments.
- Nanoscale theranostic agents are emerging as promising tools to overcome these limitations.
- These agents combine therapeutic delivery with diagnostic imaging capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of nanocarrier-based theranostic agents for lung cancer.
- To discuss overexpressed receptors in lung cancer relevant for targeted nanoparticle delivery.
- To explore various targeting strategies employed by nanoparticles in lung cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on nanotechnology in lung cancer treatment.
- Analysis of different types of nanocarrier systems used for drug delivery.
- Examination of targeting approaches for nanoparticles based on receptor expression.
Main Results:
- Nanotechnology enhances bioavailability and stability of anti-cancer drugs.
- Nanocarrier-based theranostics facilitate early detection and targeted drug delivery.
- Various nanocarrier platforms like liposomes, nanoparticles, and micelles show therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- Nanoscale theranostic agents represent a significant advancement in lung cancer management.
- Targeted delivery systems can improve therapeutic outcomes and minimize side effects.
- Further research into nanoparticle targeting and drug delivery is crucial for clinical application.
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