Breaking Barriers in Cancer Treatment: An updated review on Clinical Translation of Novel Nanocarrier Systems

Sonia  Fathi-Karkan; Fatemeh  Davodabadi; Shekoufeh  Mirinejad; Sara  Sargazi; Jamal  Amri; Fulden  Ulucan-Karnak; Halil Utku  Peker; Saman  Sargazi

doi:10.18502/abi.v2i4.19103

Sonia Fathi-Karkan Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
Fatemeh Davodabadi Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shekoufeh Mirinejad Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Sara Sargazi Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Jamal Amri Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Fulden Ulucan-Karnak Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Biochemistry Department, Izmir, Türkiye
Halil Utku Peker Nanotechnology Engineer Independent Researcher, Izmir, Türkiye
Saman Sargazi Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/abi.v2i4.19103

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Cancer Therapy; Clinical Trials; Drug Delivery; Nanotechnology; Nanocarriers

Abstract

Cancer remains a significant cause of illness and death globally, and it is therefore crucialto find new ways to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Chemotherapy hasthe potential to act effectively on cancer cells but also impacts normal cells, leading toserious side effects. In this review, we discuss how nanotechnology is overcoming thesechallenges through novel concepts aimed at improving the specificity and efficiency ofchemotherapy delivery. Through the utilization of nanocarriers (NCs), including lipid-based, polymer-based, protein-based, carbon-based, and inorganic nanosystems (suchas metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and metal-organic frameworks), as well as hybrid and responsive nanosystems, nanotechnologyenables more specific and sensitive targeted drug delivery. All of these approaches canreduce undesired side effects and enhance treatment outcomes by facilitating the potentialfor earlier treatment and diagnosis. Our review article presents an overview of ongoingclinical trials and FDA-approved NC-based anticancer therapies, unveiling progress inthe field. Utilizing nanotechnology for cancer treatment represents a significant paradigmshift, with the potential to revolutionize drug delivery, minimize side effects, andultimately improve the lives of cancer patients. We also highlight the challenges inherentin utilizing NCs for targeted drug delivery, alongside potential strategies to tackle theseobstacles, with the ultimate goal of advancing cancer therapy and improving overallsurvival rates for patients.