Targeted drug delivery in cancer using nanomaterials: advances and challenges

Cancer is considered the world’s deadliest disease, and its underlying pathology is intricate. Though cancer patients have had access to chemotherapeutics since aeons, the traditional treatments sometimes cause discomfort, have unwanted side effects, and are not site-specific. In this regard, several nanomaterials have lately been developed and explored specifically for use in cancer treatment ascribable to their unique optically active, magnetic, and electrical properties owing to nano-sized (1 to 100 nm) particles. Targeting, improved bioavailability, and low toxicity are vital reasons for nanomedicines becoming increasingly popular. Nanoparticles actively and passively target the cancer cells and kill them. Various ligands, including aptamers, biomolecules, peptides and/or antibodies have been in use for active targeting of cancer, while the cell characteristics, like leaky vasculature, angiogenesis etc., of cancer cells facilitate passive targeting. Focusing on nano oncology research investigations and clinical applications, this review traces the development and current state of targeted cancer therapy using nanomaterials. Also, this article furnishes account of challenges hindering the reach of these materials to clinical applications.