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Published on: March 6, 2018
Nanotherapeutics for prostate cancer treatment: A comprehensive review
Ruimin Hu1, Jin Lan2, Dinglin Zhang3
1Department of Urology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Chemistry, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
Abstract:
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent solid organ malignancy and seriously affects male health. The adverse effects of prostate cancer therapeutics can cause secondary damage to patients. Nanotherapeutics, which have special targeting abilities and controlled therapeutic release profiles, may serve as alternative agents for PCa treatment. At present, many nanotherapeutics have been developed to treat PCa and have shown better treatment effects in animals than traditional therapeutics. Although PCa nanotherapeutics are highly attractive, few successful cases have been reported in clinical practice. To help researchers design valuable nanotherapeutics for PCa treatment and avoid useless efforts, herein, we first reviewed the strategies and challenges involved in prostate cancer treatment. Subsequently, we presented a comprehensive review of nanotherapeutics for PCa treatment, including their targeting methods, controlled release strategies, therapeutic approaches and mechanisms. Finally, we proposed the future prospects of nanotherapeutics for PCa treatment.
Insights
Nanotherapeutics offer targeted prostate cancer (PCa) treatment with controlled release, showing promise in animal models. This review covers strategies, challenges, and future prospects for PCa nanomedicine development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of male mortality, with current treatments causing significant adverse effects.
- Nanotherapeutics present a promising alternative due to their targeted delivery and controlled release capabilities for PCa.
- Despite preclinical success, clinical translation of nanotherapeutics for PCa remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies and challenges in prostate cancer treatment.
- To comprehensively analyze nanotherapeutics for PCa, focusing on targeting, release, and mechanisms.
- To outline future directions for nanotherapeutic development in PCa.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of prostate cancer treatment strategies.
- Systematic review of nanotherapeutics for PCa, including targeting methods and controlled release.
- Analysis of therapeutic approaches and mechanisms of nanomedicines in PCa models.
Main Results:
- Nanotherapeutics demonstrate enhanced efficacy in preclinical PCa models compared to conventional therapies.
- Various targeting strategies and controlled release mechanisms are employed in PCa nanomedicine.
- Significant challenges persist in the clinical application of nanotherapeutics for prostate cancer.
Conclusions:
- Nanotherapeutics hold significant potential for improved prostate cancer treatment outcomes.
- Further research is needed to overcome clinical translation barriers for PCa nanomedicine.
- Future prospects involve refining targeting, delivery, and therapeutic mechanisms for effective PCa nanotherapy.
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