Exploring the Potential of Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery in Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) are a potential tool for tailored drug delivery in cancer treatment because they can make anti-cancer drugs more effective while reducing their damaging effects on the body as a whole. Cancer cells often have changed physical traits, like the increased permeability and retention (EPR) effect, which makes them perfect candidates for NP-based treatment. This abstract looks at how nanoparticles might be used to make cancer drug administration more precise and effective. It does this by focusing on different types of nanoparticles, how they work, and how they affect treatment results. When nanoparticles are used for specific drug delivery, chemotherapy agents like small molecules, proteins, or nucleic acids are placed inside them. This is called conjugation. It lets drugs be released slowly at the tumor site, where they are most needed. This increases the concentration of the drug at the target while lowering its effects on healthy cells. Different kinds of materials, like lipids, polymers, and artificial substances, can be used to make nanoparticles. Each type has its own benefits. Lipid-based nanoparticles, like liposomes, are biocompatible and can hold hydrophobic drugs. Polymeric nanoparticles, on the other hand, can be changed to release drugs in a specific way and stay in the bloodstream for longer. Inorganic nanoparticles, like gold and silicon nanoparticles, have special qualities, like a lot of surface area for drug loading and the possibility of being used for imaging. One of the best things about nanoparticle-based drug delivery is that it can make drugs more effective at killing cancer cells. Adding targeting ligands to nanoparticles, like antibodies, peptides, or small molecules, makes it possible to precisely target cancer cell surface markers. This makes treatment even more effective while protecting healthy tissues. NPs can also help give more than one healing agent at the same time, like cancer drugs and gene therapies. This makes combination therapies possible, which improve the general success of treatment.