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Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
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TRAIL-functionalized nanoparticles in cancer therapy: Molecular mechanisms and translational opportunities

Dasari Sahithi1, Urushi Rehman1, Ramasubbamma Ramaiah2

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|January 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) nanoparticles enhance cancer treatment by improving drug delivery and overcoming resistance. This nanotechnology approach shows promise for personalized cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nanomedicine
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively induces cancer cell death but faces clinical challenges like rapid clearance and tumor resistance.
  • Nanotechnology provides solutions to stabilize TRAIL, improve its pharmacokinetics, and enable targeted delivery to tumors.
  • TRAIL-based nanomedicines offer potential for overcoming drug resistance and enhancing apoptotic signaling in cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis and the design of TRAIL-functionalized nanoparticles.
  • To explore the integration of TRAIL nanomedicines with synergistic therapeutic strategies.
  • To discuss the translational potential and future directions for TRAIL nanomedicines in precision oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies on TRAIL-functionalized nanoparticles in various cancer models (e.g., triple-negative breast cancer, glioblastoma, colorectal carcinoma).
  • Analysis of lipid-based, polymeric, and metallic nanoparticle designs for TRAIL delivery.
  • Examination of combinatorial strategies involving TRAIL nanomedicines with chemotherapy, sensitizers, or immunomodulators.

Main Results:

  • TRAIL-functionalized nanoparticles demonstrate enhanced therapeutic efficacy and tumor-specific accumulation.
  • These nanocarriers improve TRAIL bioavailability and stability, overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations.
  • Combinatorial approaches using TRAIL nanoparticles show potential for overcoming intrinsic or acquired tumor resistance.
  • Preclinical studies report reduced systemic toxicity compared to conventional TRAIL administration.

Conclusions:

  • TRAIL-functionalized nanoparticles represent a promising strategy for precision oncology, combining molecular therapeutics with nanotechnology.
  • This approach holds significant translational potential for personalized cancer treatment by enhancing TRAIL efficacy and reducing toxicity.
  • Further research and development are needed to advance TRAIL nanomedicines toward clinical application.
Keywords:
ApoptosisCancer nanomedicineMolecular therapeuticsNanoparticlesTRAILTargeted drug deliveryTranslational oncology

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