Application of Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment: A Concise Review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, necessitating advanced therapeutic strategies.
• Nanotechnology offers significant advantages in cancer treatment by enabling targeted drug delivery and reducing side effects.
• Nanosystems are crucial for improving the efficacy and safety of antitumoral therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of novel nanosystems for cancer therapy developed between 2010 and 2023.
• To summarize the design, application, and targeting strategies of various nanoparticles in cancer treatment.
• To highlight the potential of nanotechnology in advancing cancer theranostics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific outcomes from 2010-2023 on nanosystems for cancer therapy.
• Analysis of nanoparticle design, drug encapsulation, and tumor microenvironment interactions.
• Comparison of different nanoparticle classes including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, and carbon nanomaterials.

Main Results:

• Nanosystems demonstrate improved drug delivery, reduced toxicity, and enhanced targeting of cancer cells.
• Various nanoparticles like nanoliposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, and carbon nanomaterials show promise in preclinical and clinical settings.
• Both passive and active targeting strategies are crucial for effective cancer theranostics.

Conclusions:

• Nanotechnology presents a powerful platform for developing next-generation cancer therapeutics.
• Continued research into nanosystems will significantly advance targeted cancer treatment and theranostics.
• The reviewed nanoparticles offer diverse mechanisms for improving cancer diagnosis and therapy.