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Advances in the use of nanoparticles for specific cell-target delivery of anti-cancer agents
Ana Belen Diaz-Ruano1, Eliana Gomez-Jimenez2, Gloria Llamas-Jimenez2
1Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, (CIBM) University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
Abstract:
In recent decades, cancer has emerged as one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. To revert this progression, scientists have focused on the design of new strategies for early detection of this disease and the development of more effective treatments for its eradication. Regarding the latter, one of the main research efforts has been directed toward designing more specific delivery systems for the administration of anti-tumoral agents. In this sense, the efficacy of conventional therapies used for cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiation therapy, are often limited by their lack of specificity and their potential to cause adverse secondary effects on healthy tissues. Therefore, designing specific cell-targeted delivery systems for anti-tumoral agents presents a promising approach to overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer therapies. In this review we summarize the advances in the use of nanoparticles for Specific Cell-Target Delivery of anti-tumoral agents from in vitro to clinical studies.
Insights
Scientists are developing targeted nanoparticle delivery systems to improve anti-tumoral agent efficacy and reduce side effects. This approach aims to overcome limitations of conventional cancer therapies for better treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, necessitating improved treatment strategies.
- Conventional cancer therapies often lack specificity, leading to adverse effects on healthy tissues.
- Targeted delivery systems are crucial for enhancing anti-tumoral agent efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in using nanoparticles for specific cell-targeted delivery of anti-tumoral agents.
- To explore the transition of these technologies from in vitro studies to clinical applications.
- To highlight the potential of targeted delivery in overcoming conventional therapy limitations.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on nanoparticle-based drug delivery for cancer.
- Analysis of studies focusing on specific cell targeting mechanisms.
- Evaluation of in vitro, preclinical, and clinical data for targeted anti-tumoral agent delivery.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles show promise in delivering anti-tumoral agents specifically to cancer cells.
- Targeted delivery systems can potentially reduce systemic toxicity associated with cancer treatments.
- Progress has been made in translating these technologies from laboratory research to clinical settings.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle-based targeted delivery represents a significant advancement in cancer therapy.
- This approach offers a promising strategy to improve treatment specificity and patient outcomes.
- Further research and clinical validation are essential to fully realize the potential of these systems.
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