EMERGING NANOTECHNOLOGICAL PLATFORMS FOR CANCER TREATMENT: MECHANISMS, APPLICATIONS, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach in cancer detection and treatment, offering innovative solutions for targeted drug delivery, diagnosis, and therapy. This review outlines recent advancements in nanoparticle-based systems—such as liposomes, carbon nanotubes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, and quantum dots—that have significantly improved the precision and efficacy of cancer treatments. These nanocarriers are engineered to selectively target cancer cells, thereby reducing toxicity to healthy tissues and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Their ability to penetrate tumors and deliver drugs efficiently addresses key limitations of conventional therapies. Nanoparticles utilize both passive and active targeting mechanisms. Passive targeting exploits the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect, which enables nanoparticles to accumulate in tumor tissues due to their abnormal vasculature. However, passive delivery may result in limited drug penetration. Active targeting, by contrast, involves functionalizing nanoparticles with ligands that specifically bind to cancer cell receptors, thereby improving tumor selectivity and drug delivery efficiency. In addition to therapeutic delivery, nanoparticles contribute to other cancer treatment modalities, including immunotherapy and cryosurgery, by modulating immune responses and enhancing tumor destruction. The integration of diagnostics and therapy through theranostic platforms allows real-time monitoring of treatment responses, further advancing personalized medicine. Despite these promising developments, challenges such as biocompatibility, large-scale manufacturing, toxicity, and clinical translation remain significant. Addressing these issues is essential for the successful implementation of nanotechnology in oncology. In conclusion, nanomedicine holds substantial potential to revolutionize cancer care, offering more personalized, effective, and less invasive treatment options. Continued interdisciplinary research is key to unlocking its full clinical potential.