Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Targeting the cell within: polymeric nanomaterials for organelle-specific cancer therapeutics
Desoshree Ghosh1, Sagar Bag1, Dayita Das1
1Polymer Research Centre and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials, Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India. p_de@iiserkol.ac.in.
Abstract:
The growing burden of cancer has made it a significant global health concern with increasingly serious implications for public health worldwide. The therapeutic index of conventional anticancer drugs has been severely constrained by their lack of selectivity and undesirable therapeutic consequences. Thus, the development of nanomaterials has brought new hope for improving cancer therapy. Specifically, polymeric nanomaterials have gained considerable attention due to their biocompatibility, improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics performance, reduced side effects, high retention time, and ability to carry/conjugate diverse therapeutic agents. Also, to overcome the limitations of diffuse distribution and nonspecific intracellular interactions, precise targeting strategies can be introduced in polymeric nanoparticles. In this regard, subcellular organelle-targeting cancer therapy has emerged as a highly precise strategy for selectively eliminating cancer cells. By disrupting organelle function, it enhances therapeutic efficacy, minimizes side effects, overcomes multidrug resistance, and reduces recurrence. Recently, there has been growing interest in polymeric nanomaterials capable of targeting specific cancer cell organelles. This review highlights recent advances (2016-present) in organelle-targeted polymeric nanomaterials for cancer treatment, emphasizing their therapeutic potential, current challenges, and future perspectives to improve clinical translation and treatment efficacy.
Insights
Polymeric nanomaterials offer targeted cancer therapy by selectively disrupting cancer cell organelles. This approach enhances treatment efficacy, reduces side effects, and combats drug resistance for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with conventional therapies limited by poor selectivity and side effects.
- Polymeric nanomaterials show promise in cancer treatment due to their biocompatibility, improved drug delivery, and reduced toxicity.
- Subcellular organelle-targeting cancer therapy offers a precise strategy to enhance efficacy and overcome treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in organelle-targeted polymeric nanomaterials for cancer therapy.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential and challenges of these advanced nanomaterials.
- To discuss future perspectives for improving clinical translation and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature published from 2016 to the present.
- Focus on polymeric nanomaterials designed for specific subcellular organelle targeting in cancer cells.
- Analysis of therapeutic efficacy, mechanisms of action, and challenges associated with these nanomaterials.
Main Results:
- Polymeric nanomaterials demonstrate significant potential for precise cancer cell targeting and disruption of organelle function.
- Organelle-specific targeting enhances therapeutic efficacy, minimizes systemic toxicity, and can overcome multidrug resistance.
- Recent advancements show improved biocompatibility, pharmacokinetics, and targeted delivery capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Organelle-targeted polymeric nanomaterials represent a promising frontier in cancer therapy.
- Further research is needed to address current challenges and facilitate clinical translation.
- These advanced nanomaterials hold potential for more effective and personalized cancer treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...