Emerging Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Cancer is a major global health concern, ranking as the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. It is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, with an estimated 11 million new cases diagnosed annually. Recently, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have garnered significant interest in cancer treatment. Nanocarriers are increasingly being investigated as therapeutic and diagnostic tools due to their ability to enhance pharmacological activity and improve cancer detection. A primary research focus is on creating intelligent nanocarriers that can selectively react to tumor-specific conditions, ensuring rapid drug release directly at the target site. By improving targeting to cancer cells, these systems have the potential to reduce cytotoxicity compared to traditional drug formulations. The effectiveness of nanocarriers largely depends on their structural features, classifications, and functional "smartness." While smart drug delivery systems offer considerable benefits in chemotherapy, concerns regarding toxicity and biocompatibility remain crucial and require thorough evaluation. This review will cover the design of new nanocarrier systems, their targeting mechanisms, and their responsiveness to various stimuli, leading to innovative advancements in smart nanoparticles for safer and more effective cancer therapy. Additionally, it will explore recent studies on tumor segmentation by functionalizing nanoparticle surfaces with tumor-specific ligands such as antibodies, peptides, transferrin, and folic acid. We will also summarize different drug delivery options, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and even living cells, for their potential use in cancer therapy.