Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Surface-modified organic nanoparticles for lung cancer targeted therapy
Samanta da Silva Gündel1, Aline de Cristo Soares Alves1, Danieli Rosane Dallemole1
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil.
Abstract:
Lung cancer remains the most prevalent and lethal type of cancer worldwide, mainly due to late-stage diagnosis and resistance to standard therapies. Although systemic chemotherapy is still the primary option for advanced and metastatic cases, its effectiveness is limited by poor solubility, nonspecific tissue distribution, and severe side effects. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges, with organic nanoparticles representing a particularly innovative approach. In this context, surface-functionalized nanoparticles have shown great potential to enhance drug delivery specifically to tumor cells, reducing off-target toxicity and improving therapeutic outcomes. This review presents an overview of key strategies for surface modification of nanoparticles designed for targeted lung cancer therapy. We reported the two main functionalization approaches, through covalent and non-covalent bonds, as well as the most relevant cellular targets and the main ligands employed. Finally, the review underscores how surface modification strategies may contribute to improving the selectivity and performance of nanoparticle-based systems, offering a basis for future studies focused on their potential clinical applicability in lung cancer therapy.
Insights
Surface modification of organic nanoparticles offers a promising strategy to improve targeted lung cancer therapy by enhancing drug delivery and reducing side effects. This approach aims to overcome limitations of traditional chemotherapy for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, often diagnosed late.
- Current chemotherapy faces challenges including poor drug solubility, nonspecific distribution, and severe toxicity.
- Nanotechnology, particularly organic nanoparticles, presents innovative solutions for drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for surface modification of nanoparticles for targeted lung cancer therapy.
- To explore covalent and non-covalent functionalization approaches.
- To identify key cellular targets and ligands for enhanced drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on nanoparticle surface modification.
- Analysis of functionalization techniques (covalent and non-covalent).
- Identification of lung cancer cellular targets and associated ligands.
Main Results:
- Surface functionalization significantly enhances nanoparticle targeting to tumor cells.
- Covalent and non-covalent bonding strategies offer distinct advantages for nanoparticle design.
- Specific ligands effectively target key cellular receptors on lung cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Surface modification of nanoparticles improves selectivity and efficacy in lung cancer therapy.
- Targeted delivery reduces off-tumor toxicity, enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
- These strategies provide a foundation for clinical applications of nanomedicine in lung cancer treatment.
