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Recent progress in nanomedicines for imaging and therapy of brain tumors
Ikram Hasan1, Shubham Roy2, Bing Guo2
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China. cqchang@szu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Nowadays, a malignant brain tumor is one of the most life-threatening diseases with poor prognosis, high risk of recurrence, and low survival rate for patients because of the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the lack of efficient diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms. So far, many researchers have devoted their efforts to innovating advanced drugs to efficiently cross the BBB and selectively target brain tumors for optimal imaging and therapy outcomes. Herein, we update the most recent developments in nanomedicines for the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in preclinical mouse models. The special focus is on burgeoning drug delivery carriers to improve the specificity of visualization and to enhance the efficacy of brain tumor treatment. Also, we highlight the challenges and perspectives for the future development of brain tumor theranostics. This review is expected to receive wide attention from researchers, professors, and students in various fields to participate in future advancements in preclinical research and clinical translation of brain tumor nanomedicines.
Insights
Nanomedicines show promise for diagnosing and treating malignant brain tumors by crossing the blood-brain barrier. This review highlights recent advances and future challenges in preclinical brain tumor nanomedicine.
Area of Science:
- * Nanomedicine
- * Oncology
- * Neuroscience
Background:
- * Malignant brain tumors present significant challenges due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to poor patient prognosis and survival rates.
- * Current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for brain tumors are often inefficient.
- * Overcoming the BBB is crucial for effective brain tumor treatment and imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review recent advancements in nanomedicines for brain tumor diagnosis and treatment in preclinical models.
- * To focus on novel drug delivery carriers enhancing tumor visualization and therapeutic efficacy.
- * To discuss challenges and future perspectives for brain tumor theranostics.
Main Methods:
- * Comprehensive literature review of preclinical studies on nanomedicines for brain tumors.
- * Analysis of drug delivery systems designed to cross the BBB.
- * Evaluation of nanomedicine applications in brain tumor imaging and therapy.
Main Results:
- * Nanomedicines demonstrate potential for improved BBB penetration and targeted delivery to brain tumors.
- * Emerging drug delivery carriers enhance specificity for tumor visualization and treatment efficacy.
- * Preclinical data suggest nanomedicines can overcome limitations of conventional therapies.
Conclusions:
- * Nanomedicine offers a promising avenue for overcoming the BBB and improving brain tumor theranostics.
- * Further research is needed to address challenges in preclinical and clinical translation.
- * Advancements in nanomedicine are critical for future brain tumor diagnosis and treatment strategies.
