Development of next generation nanomedicine-based approaches for the treatment of cancer: we've barely scratched the surface

Abstract

Interest in nanomedicines has grown rapidly over the past two decades, owing to the promising therapeutic applications they may provide, particularly for the treatment of cancer. Personalised medicine and ‘smart’ actively targeted nanoparticles represent an opportunity to deliver therapies directly to cancer cells and provide sustained drug release, in turn providing overall lower off-target toxicity and increased therapeutic efficacy. However, the successful translation of nanomedicines from encouraging pre-clinical findings to the clinic has, to date, proven arduous. In this review, we will discuss the use of nanomedicines for the treatment of cancer, with a specific focus on the use of polymeric and lipid nanoparticle delivery systems. In particular, we examine approaches exploring the surface functionalisation of nanomedicines to elicit active targeting and therapeutic effects as well as challenges and future directions for nanoparticles in cancer treatment.

Development of a cationic polyethyleneimine-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticle system for enhanced intracellular delivery of biologics

“…30,50 Furthermore, the nanoparticle formulation could be further modified through the addition of pH sensitive polymers, to further tailor the nanoformulation to react to fluctuations in pH within the tumour microenvironment, where pH sensitivity can be further investigated. 51–55…”

“…30,50 Furthermore, the nanoparticle formulation could be further modied through the addition of pH sensitive polymers, to further tailor the nanoformulation to react to uctuations in pH within the tumour microenvironment, where pH sensitivity can be further investigated. [51][52][53][54][55] Whilst promising, utilisation of cationic particles has proven challenging. One of the key concerns regarding the potential clinical translation of such cationic nanoparticles is their increased cellular cytotoxicity, as demonstrated by studies which have shown that cationic nanoparticles at high concentrations may induce caspase 3/7 activation and PARP cleavage ultimately leading to cell death.…”

Revolutionizing Gene Therapy: Biomaterials as Enabling Tools for Targeted Delivery and Enhanced Efficacy

“…One approach involves the integration of targeting ligands on the surface of nanoparticles or biomaterials, enabling specific recognition and binding to target cells. Additionally, the incorporation of stimuli-responsive components, such as polymers, peptides, or small molecules, allows for triggered gene release and activation (Tracey et al, 2021). Moreover, the combination of different types of biomaterials, such as lipids, polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles, can provide synergistic effects and multifunctionality to enhance gene delivery efficiency (Chen et al, 2023).…”