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A Comprehensive Procedure to Evaluate the In Vivo Performance of Cancer Nanomedicines
Published on: March 4, 2017
Nanoparticles in Medicine: Current Status in Cancer Treatment
Krešimir Pavelić1, Sandra Kraljević Pavelić2, Aleksandar Bulog3,4
1Faculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100 Pula, Croatia.
Abstract:
Cancer is still a leading cause of deaths worldwide, especially due to those cases diagnosed at late stages with metastases that are still considered untreatable and are managed in such a way that a lengthy chronic state is achieved. Nanotechnology has been acknowledged as one possible solution to improve existing cancer treatments, but also as an innovative approach to developing new therapeutic solutions that will lower systemic toxicity and increase targeted action on tumors and metastatic tumor cells. In particular, the nanoparticles studied in the context of cancer treatment include organic and inorganic particles whose role may often be expanded into diagnostic applications. Some of the best studied nanoparticles include metallic gold and silver nanoparticles, quantum dots, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and graphene, with diverse mechanisms of action such as, for example, the increased induction of reactive oxygen species, increased cellular uptake and functionalization properties for improved targeted delivery. Recently, novel nanoparticles for improved cancer cell targeting also include nanobubbles, which have already demonstrated increased localization of anticancer molecules in tumor tissues. In this review, we will accordingly present and discuss state-of-the-art nanoparticles and nano-formulations for cancer treatment and limitations for their application in a clinical setting.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers innovative cancer treatments by developing nanoparticles that target tumors and reduce toxicity. This review explores advanced nanoparticles and nano-formulations for improved cancer therapy and clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Materials Science
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of death, particularly when diagnosed at late, metastatic stages.
- Current treatments for advanced cancer often focus on managing the disease as a chronic condition.
- Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue for enhancing existing cancer therapies and developing novel treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review state-of-the-art nanoparticles and nano-formulations for cancer treatment.
- To discuss the mechanisms of action and diagnostic potential of various nanoparticles.
- To identify limitations hindering the clinical application of these nanotechnologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on nanoparticles in cancer treatment.
- Discussion of various nanoparticle types, including metallic, polymeric, carbon-based, and nanobubbles.
- Analysis of nanoparticle mechanisms, such as reactive oxygen species induction and targeted delivery.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles can improve targeted action on tumors and metastatic cells, lowering systemic toxicity.
- Diverse nanoparticles (e.g., gold, silver, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, nanobubbles) exhibit varied mechanisms for cancer therapy.
- Nanobubbles show potential for enhanced localization of anticancer molecules in tumor tissues.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology holds significant potential for advancing cancer treatment and diagnostics.
- Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges for clinical translation.
- Optimized nanoparticle formulations can lead to more effective and less toxic cancer therapies.
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