Application of Nanodrug Delivery Systems in Enhancing Treatment of Gastritis and Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Evaluation of Targeted Therapy

Abstract

In recent years, nanomedicine has been emerging as a promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of gastritis and gastric cancer, particularly through targeted drug delivery systems and combination therapies that enhance therapeutic effects. Gastritis and gastric cancer, being common gastrointestinal diseases, often exhibit suboptimal treatment outcomes due to the limitations of traditional medications. Interventions based on nanotechnology not only improve the local concentration and bioavailability of drugs but also promote precise targeted therapy by regulating drug release rates, while minimizing adverse side effects, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Despite significant progress in basic research and preclinical applications, the clinical translation of nanomedicine still faces numerous challenges, including stability, biocompatibility, production standardization, regulatory and ethical barriers, as well as optimization of clinical trial designs. Furthermore, combining nanomedicine with other therapeutic modalities, such as immunotherapy and gene therapy, may open new avenues for addressing complex digestive system diseases. Future research should continue to explore the potential of nanocarriers, particularly in the formulation and stability of nanomaterials for precision therapy, with the aim of improving the quality of life and survival rates for patients with gastritis and gastric cancer.

Keywords: clinical translation; gastric cancer; gastritis; nanomedicine; precision therapy; stability.

Figure 3

Therapeutic applications of nanomedicine in gastritis. (a) Schematic illustration of the self-propelled microrockets for controlled and sustained drug delivery [reprinted with permission from Ref. [36]; Copyright (2025) American Chemical Society]. (b) Structure of LPNs and schematic of the process by which LPNs eradicate bacterial biofilms [reprinted with permission from Ref. [61]; Copyright (2019) Elsevier]. (c) Antibacterial mechanism illustration of CaCO₃@Fe–TP@EggPC nanoliposomes (CTE NLs) loaded with tea polyphenols (TPs) [reprinted with permission from Ref. [62]; Copyright (2022) American Chemical Society]. (d) Preparation of AGS nanoparticles and their schematic representation for targeted antibiotic delivery to H. pylori-infected sites [reprinted with permission from Ref. [66]; Copyright (2018) Wiley].

Figure 4

Application of nanomedicine in the treatment of gastric cancer. (a) Schematic illustration of the preparation and characterization of FCS/PCS/Gel/EGCG nanoparticles, along with their therapeutic strategy and efficacy evaluation for gastric cancer treatment [reprinted with permission from Ref. [77]; Copyright (2015) Biomacromolecules]. (b) Oxaliplatin-loaded MIL-100(Fe) enabling chemotherapy–ferroptosis combined therapy in gastric cancer [reprinted with permission from Ref. [81]; Copyright (2024) American Chemical Society]. (c) Schematic of the preparation process of the TPNPs [reprinted with permission from ref. [82]; Copyright (2017) Dove Press]. (d) EGFR-targeted nanodrugs for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) in cancer treatment [reprinted with permission from Ref. [84]; Copyright (2021) Elsevier].

Figure 1

Four nanoparticle platforms and their preparation methods for gastritis and gastric cancer therapy: lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and biological membrane-coated nanoparticles.

Figure 2

Action sites and mechanisms of nanoparticles in treating gastritis and gastric cancer.