Advances in nanotechnology for cancer treatment

Abraxane, an albumin-bound paclitaxel nanoparticle, was approved by the FDA in 2005 for metastatic breast cancer, improving drug delivery and efficacy.

Nanoparticles improve nucleic acid delivery by enhancing stability, cellular uptake, and targeting, overcoming issues like in vivo decay.

Theranostic nanoparticles integrate imaging and therapy, allowing simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Stimulus-responsive nanoparticles release drugs in response to triggers like pH or temperature in the tumor microenvironment, improving precision.

Gold nanoparticles, due to their surface plasmon resonance and photothermal properties, are used to heat and destroy cancer cells.

The EPR effect allows nanoparticles to accumulate in tumors due to leaky tumor blood vessels and poor lymphatic drainage, enhancing drug delivery.

Nano-enabled biosensors detect cancer-associated biomarkers like proteins or circulating tumor DNA with high sensitivity, enabling early diagnosis.

Liposomes, lipid-based nanoparticles, are widely used for delivering siRNA due to their biocompatibility and ability to protect nucleic acids.

Nanoparticles can deliver immunostimulatory or immunomodulatory molecules, enhancing immune responses while reducing systemic toxicity.

Nanoparticles can target cancer cells specifically via active or passive targeting, reducing damage to healthy tissues and minimizing side effects.