Update on current and potential nanoparticle cancer therapies

Abstract

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent pre-clinical and clinical advancements in therapeutic nano-oncology. Recent findings First generation nanotherapies are well-tolerated in humans and evidence shows that they are efficacious while at the same time reducing the burden of side effects. Most of these therapies are not specifically targeted but take advantage of enhanced passive accumulation within tumors to preferentially deliver chemotherapies that are toxic when systemically administered. Actively targeted nanotherapies are entering the clinical arena and preliminary data are encouraging. Finally, a number of exciting pre-clinical developments in nanotechnology provide clear evidence that nanotherapies will continue to find their way into the clinic and will have a significant impact in oncology. Summary A number of intriguing nanoparticle therapies are being tested in pre-clinical and clinical trials. Nanoparticles with increasing molecular sophistication, specific targeting properties, and unique mechanisms-of-action will find their way to the clinic. Certainly, nanoparticle-based therapies will be increasingly represented in drug development pipelines, and will continue to provide efficacious and safe drug options for patients with cancer.

Enhancing regenerative approaches with nanoparticles

“…Indeed, a variety of nanoparticles has been developed for therapy; among them dendrimers, liposomes, polymer-based nanoparticles, micelles, carbon nanotubes and many more. Several nanoparticle drug delivery systems have undergone rapid clinical development for the treatment of cancer [1]. In recent years, increased focus has been on making these nanoparticles 'smart' by adding features so that they can react to their biological environment to allow, for example, controlled drug release.…”

Exploring the Tumor Microenvironment with Nanoparticles

“…Among these products, liposomal NP and polymer-drug conjugates are two major groups, accounting for more than 80 % of conjugates that have entered the clinic [30–32]. Although these nano-formulations are very efficient in decreasing adverse effects and inducing tumor regression, their actual clinical application, however, was limited to just a few types of tumors.…”

Toxicity studies of coumarin 6-encapsulated polystyrene nanospheres conjugated with peanut agglutinin and poly(N-vinylacetamide) as a colonoscopic imaging agent in rats

“…1–4 Various nano-sized biomaterials have been developed and tested for biomedical applications. For instance, liposomes, which are nano-sized particles composed of lipid bilayers, are being clinically used as vehicles that improve the pharmacokinetic properties of the original drugs.…”