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Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment by Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems
Cláudia Viegas1,2,3,4, Ana B Patrício3,4, João Prata3,4
1Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
Abstract:
Pancreatic cancer represents one of the most lethal cancer types worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Due to the inability to diagnose it promptly and the lack of efficacy of existing treatments, research and development of innovative therapies and new diagnostics are crucial to increase the survival rate and decrease mortality. Nanomedicine has been gaining importance as an innovative approach for drug delivery and diagnosis, opening new horizons through the implementation of smart nanocarrier systems, which can deliver drugs to the specific tissue or organ at an optimal concentration, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity. Varied materials such as lipids, polymers, and inorganic materials have been used to obtain nanoparticles and develop innovative drug delivery systems for pancreatic cancer treatment. In this review, it is discussed the main scientific advances in pancreatic cancer treatment by nano-based drug delivery systems. The advantages and disadvantages of such delivery systems in pancreatic cancer treatment are also addressed. More importantly, the different types of nanocarriers and therapeutic strategies developed so far are scrutinized.
Insights
Nanomedicine offers innovative solutions for pancreatic cancer treatment and diagnosis. This review explores advancements in nano-based drug delivery systems, enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity for this lethal disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer has a low survival rate due to late diagnosis and ineffective treatments.
- Nanomedicine presents a promising approach for targeted drug delivery and improved diagnostics.
- Smart nanocarrier systems enhance drug concentration at target sites, reducing systemic toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review scientific advances in pancreatic cancer treatment using nano-based drug delivery systems.
- To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of nanocarrier systems in pancreatic cancer therapy.
- To scrutinize various nanocarriers and therapeutic strategies developed for pancreatic cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific advances in nanomedicine for pancreatic cancer.
- Analysis of different nanocarrier materials (lipids, polymers, inorganic materials).
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies utilizing nanocarriers.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles offer enhanced drug delivery for pancreatic cancer treatment.
- Various nanocarriers demonstrate potential for improved therapeutic outcomes.
- Smart nanocarrier systems can increase treatment efficacy and decrease toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Nano-based drug delivery systems are crucial for advancing pancreatic cancer treatment.
- Continued research into nanocarriers and therapeutic strategies is vital.
- Nanomedicine holds significant promise for improving survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients.
