Nanoparticles in Clinical Translation for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

The advent of cancer therapeutics brought a paradigm shift from conventional therapy to precision medicine. The new therapeutic modalities accomplished through the properties of nanomaterials have extended their scope in cancer therapy beyond conventional drug delivery. Nanoparticles can be channeled in cancer therapy to encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients and deliver them to the tumor site in a more efficient manner. This review enumerates various types of nanoparticles that have entered clinical trials for cancer treatment. The obstacles in the journey of nanodrug from clinic to market are reviewed. Furthermore, the latest developments in using nanoparticles in cancer therapy are also highlighted.

Keywords: cancer therapy; nanochemotherapy; nanodrugs; nanomedicine; nanoparticles.

Figure 1

Mechanisms of cell death in cancer induced by nanoparticles.

Figure 2

Phototherapy is used to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by employing light, heat, and radiation. Photosensitizers like nanoparticles enhance the killing effect by targeting signaling pathways and the immune system.

Figure 3

Different types of nanomedicines that are used for the treatment of cancer.

Figure 4

(A) Various forms of liposome-based nanomedicines. The variety of formulations under the category specifies the flexibility of the liposomes for the formulation of nanodrugs. The number in parenthesis refers to the number of drugs that are approved and under trial respectively, under each category. (B) Major FDA approved nanochemotherapeutic drugs based on liposomes. (C) Some of the liposome-based nanochemotherapeutic drugs that are under clinical trial.

Figure 5

Nanochemotherapeutic drugs that are based on metal and metal oxides, polymeric micelles, polymer/lipids, and other conjugates. (The formulations inside the circle are approved and those outside are under trial).

Figure 6

Schematic representation of the drug targeting strategies followed to deliver therapeutic molecules to cancer cells. The various modes of drug delivery ensure that the drug is effectively delivered to the cells of interest and thus, unwanted damage to normal cells can be minimized.