Advances in Cancer Nanomedicine

Abstract

Scientific advances have significantly improved the basic understanding of biology of cancer. Now it is clear that a series of genetic alterations leading to abnormal cell division, loss of growth control and the capability to develop their own blood supply resulted in this complex scenario of cancer. Due to the lack of drug availability, adverse side effects and drug resistance, the conventional therapy failed to achieve proper treatment. During the past few years, nano- medicine has showed considerable progress in improving the cancer treatment and this review highlighted some of the recent advancement in this field of research. Development of first generation nanomedcine such as cytotoxic drug loaded polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, dendrimers, carbon nanostructures, inorganic nanoparticles, etc were discussed in detail. A detailed understanding of the mechanism of cancer leading to the evolution of second generation of nanomedicine aids more efficient targeted cancer therapy. Nanoparticle mediated magnetic hyperthermia, photothermal therapy and radiofrequency hyperthermia is also reviewed as new generation cancer nanotherapeutics.