Advancing Nanotechnology in Targeted Cancer Therapy: From Passive Targeting to Smart Delivery Systems

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Fahmy A.M.

Journal: Premier Journal of Science

Publisher: Premier Science

Publication Date: 31 January 2025

Volume / Issue: Volume 6

Article No.: 100052

ISSN: 30499011

DOI: 10.70389/PJS.100052

Scopus: View on Scopus

Document Type: Review

Access: All Open Access; Hybrid Gold Open Access

Authors and Affiliations

Fahmy A.M., Parasitology Department, Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

With the help of nanotechnology, cancer treatment can be optimized while still keeping the level of side effects low. This includes recent advances that treat cancer on a molecular level, including mechanisms for targeting the delivery of therapeutic substances and, last, new intelligent delivery systems. Active targeting approaches by surface modification have increased tumor cell ingestion and decreased the required dose for treatment. Yet, enhanced permeability and retention, which is its capital effect, is functional as well, but at a very low impact, as studies show only 0.7% of the injected nanoparticles accumulate in the tumors. FDA-approved nanoformulations using liposomes and polymers exhibit significant clinical benefits owing to their improved pharmacokinetics and less toxicity. Significant obstacles impede market entry, including low production scalability, complex regulatory frameworks, and development costs exceeding $2.5 billion. The existence of biological impediments, notably the blood-brain barrier and intricate tumor microenvironments, exacerbates the challenges of drug administration. The advances in artificial intelligence and smart delivery systems have enhanced the design and efficacy of nanocarriers. Machine learning algorithms can predict the success rate in drug delivery with 92% accuracy when the process is continuously monitored, which enables dynamic treatment adjustment. Along with these, quantum dots and DNA nanostructures represent new technologies offering more targeted and personalized approaches to cancer treatment. However, there are some hurdles in need of overcoming, such as current regulation and manufacturing. © 2025, Premier Science. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Blood-brain barrier; Enhanced permeability and Retention (EPR); Liposomal formulations; Nanocarriers; Stimuli-responsive systems

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 2

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