ReviewNanomaterials in combating cancer: Therapeutic applications and developments
Graphical Abstract
Section snippets
How cancer differs from normal tissue
Cancer is an extensive group of diseases affecting different parts of the body. It arises from the accumulation of genetic mutations that control cell cycles. The unlimited and self-sufficient growth of cells is responsible for the major characteristics of cancers, including uncontrolled growth, invasion of adjacent tissue, metastasis, and cell immortality.1 Because of their particular anatomy and physiology, it is feasible to target tumours with various nanoprobes, for diagnosis and treatment.
Application of nanomaterials for cancer imaging and therapy
Conventional cancer therapies face challenges such as poor bioavailability and intrinsic toxicity. The therapeutic efficiency of many useful drugs is compromised by such toxicity issues. Nanomaterials, with their altered pharmacological and therapeutic efficiencies have overcome some of these conventional limitations. In the last three decades, research efforts in this field have resulted in innovative nanostructures, including polymeric and non-polymeric nanoparticles, QDs, SPIONS, AuNPs,
Conclusions
A variety of nanomaterials are being investigated for the diagnosis, imaging, and therapy of cancers. The nanometre size of the particles is responsible for a diverse range of promising properties, including the absorption, scattering, fluorescence, photoacoustic, Raman enhancement, and magnetic resonance, making inorganic nanoparticles immediately suitable for exploitation in different imaging modalities. Their capability for thermotherapy and PDT is another benefit, in addition to drug
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Declaration of Interests: Authors declare no conflict of interest.