Applications of Nanoparticles in Tumor Therapy

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last two decades, a large number of nanoparticle delivery systems has been developed and approved for clinical use in cancer diagnosis and therapy. In contrast with the commonly used small molecule drugs that present a wide range of biodistribution, low specificity, and high toxicity, nanoparticles (NPs) can improve the pharmacological response. The importance of these macromolecules is based on their nanoscale attribute (1–100 nm), being accumulated in the tumor tissue through a passive mechanism known as enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect because of the increased vascular permeability in the tumor region. They include different classes, based on their structure, sizes or inorganic or organic natures depicting some of them, and biologically attractive properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability. Furthermore, the incorporation of active targeting using molecules (ligands, antibodies, peptides, and RNA aptamers) that can be recognized specifically by receptors on the surface of the cell membrane has increased nanoparticle uptake by tumor cells. These biotechnological advances in functionalizing nanoparticles combined with multiple classes of chemotherapeutics, siRNAs, and plasmids for packaging and delivering into tumor cells have improved efficacy and reduced toxicity over conventional cancer treatments. Undoubtedly, an exciting scenario has been created: new formulations for conventional chemotherapy drugs or the development of new use for existing antitumor drugs. Moreover, the major challenges are how different combinations of nanoparticle delivery systems can be rationally designed so that safety and efficacy are maximized, and to understand and develop tools to evaluate the biological responses to these nanoparticles.

Dr. Maria Virtudes Céspedes
Dr. Carla Vitorino
Guest Editor

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• cancer therapy
• chemotherapeutic drug-based nanoparticles
• targeted nanoparticle-based therapy
• nanoparticle technology platforms
• nanocarriers
• drug delivery