Work

Update on current and potential nanoparticle cancer therapies

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the most recent preclinical 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 demonstrate off-target toxicities when administered as free drugs. Also, actively targeted nanotherapies are entering the clinical arena and preliminary data are encouraging. Finally, a number of exciting preclinical developments in nanotechnology provide clear evidence that nanotherapies will continue to enter the clinic and will have a significant impact in oncology. SUMMARY: A number of intriguing nanoparticle therapies are being tested in preclinical 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 well tolerated drug options for patients with cancer.

Source: Current Opinion in Oncology

DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000012

Authors: Jonathan S. Rink, Michael P. Plebanek, Sushant Tripathy, C. Shad Thaxton

Institutions: Northwestern University, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, International Institute for Nanotechnology

Language: English

Topic: Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Cancer Institute