From Nanoparticles to Cancer Nanomedicine: Old Problems with New Solutions

Abstract

Anticancer nanomedicines have been studied over 30 years, but fewer than 10 formulations have been approved for clinical therapy today. Despite abundant options of anticancer drugs, it remains challenging to have agents specifically target cancer cells while reducing collateral toxicity to healthy tissue. Nanocompartments that can be selective toward points deeply within malignant tissues are a promising concept, but the heterogeneity of tumor tissue, inefficiency of cargo loading and releasing, and low uniformity of manufacture required from preclinical to commercialization are major obstacles. Technological advances have been made in this field, creating engineered nanomaterials with improved uniformity, flexibility of cargo loading, diversity of surface modification, and less inducible immune responses. This review highlights the developmental process of approved nanomedicines and the opportunities for novel materials that combine insights of tumors and nanotechnology to develop a more effective nanomedicine for cancer patients.

Keywords: nanomaterials; nanomedicines; nanoparticles; nanotechnology.

Figure 1

Development for nanomedicine reaching for tumor microenvironment. In past decades, plenty of nanocarriers are moving from preclinical bench work into clinical trial and finally approved for cancer therapy. The driving force of nanomedicine toward tumor microenvironment could be passive or active. Passive delivery relies on loose tumor vessels (EPR effect) and low pH (Warburg effect), while the active delivery can directly recognize tumor antigens by conjugating high-affinity molecules. Various novel and advanced materials of nanocarriers are designed for drug delivery, including liposome, polymer, CNT, DNA origami, and exosome.