Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Nano-drug delivery systems significantly improve the therapeutic index of anticancer drugs by enhancing tumor targeting and controlled release. • Active targeting strategies, such as ligand-functionalized nanoparticles, increase cellular uptake and reduce off-target effects. • Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers enable on-demand drug release in the tumor microenvironment, improving treatment efficacy. • Despite promising preclinical results, clinical translation faces challenges including biocompatibility, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory hurdles.
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Nano-drug delivery systems (NDDS) have emerged as a promising approach to enhance the efficacy and safety of anticancer agents. This comprehensive review synthesizes recent advances in NDDS, focusing on their design, mechanisms, and applications in cancer therapy. We discuss various nanocarriers, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles, highlighting their unique properties and surface modifications that enable targeted delivery and controlled release. The review emphasizes the role of active targeting ligands, stimuli-responsive elements, and the tumor microenvironment in improving therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, we address the challenges of translating NDDS from bench to bedside, including biocompatibility, stability, and scale-up production. Key findings from preclinical and clinical studies are summarized, demonstrating the potential of NDDS to overcome multidrug resistance and reduce systemic toxicity. Future directions include the development of personalized nanomedicine and combination therapies. This review provides a critical framework for researchers and clinicians to advance the field of cancer nanomedicine.
1. Introduction
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis, posing a significant global health burden. Conventional chemotherapy often suffers from poor bioavailability, non-specific distribution, and severe systemic toxicity. In recent years, nanotechnology has revolutionized cancer treatment by enabling the design of nano-drug delivery systems (NDDS) that can encapsulate therapeutic agents, protect them from degradation, and deliver them selectively to tumor sites. These systems exploit the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and active targeting mechanisms to improve drug accumulation in tumors while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in NDDS for cancer therapy. We discuss various nanocarrier platforms, their surface engineering, and the biological barriers they must overcome. Furthermore, we highlight the integration of diagnostic and therapeutic functions, paving the way for theranostic applications. The review also addresses the challenges and future prospects of translating these nanomedicines into clinical practice, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to realize their full potential.
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ZHANG Wei, LI Ming, WANG Fang, CHEN Jing, LIU Yang (2026). Advances in Nano-Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review. Chinese Journal of New Drugs. https://doi.org/pub_80__articleID_413
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are nano-drug delivery systems (NDDS)?
Nano-drug delivery systems are nanoscale carriers designed to deliver therapeutic agents to specific sites in the body, improving drug efficacy and reducing side effects. They include liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles.
How do NDDS improve cancer therapy?
NDDS enhance cancer therapy by increasing drug solubility, prolonging circulation time, enabling targeted delivery to tumors via the EPR effect or active ligands, and providing controlled release of drugs, thereby reducing systemic toxicity and overcoming drug resistance.
What are the challenges in clinical translation of NDDS?
Challenges include ensuring biocompatibility and safety, achieving scalable and reproducible manufacturing, overcoming biological barriers, and navigating regulatory requirements. Additionally, the heterogeneity of tumors and patient variability necessitate personalized approaches.
What is the future direction of NDDS in cancer treatment?
Future directions include the development of personalized nanomedicine tailored to individual patient profiles, combination therapies that integrate multiple treatment modalities, and theranostic systems that combine diagnosis and therapy for real-time monitoring and treatment.
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