Autophagy-Targeted Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Cancer

Autophagy, a vital cellular process that maintains homeostasis through the degradation and recycling of cellular components, has emerged as a critical player in cancer progression and therapy resistance. Exploiting this pathway for therapeutic interventions requires innovative strategies that can precisely modulate autophagy within cancer cells. Conventional chemotherapeutic agents are associated with a range of adverse effects, such as lack of specificity, non-uniform distribution in tissues and organs, rapid drug clearance, and susceptibility to biodegradation. Consequently, there is a growing need for novel cancer treatment approaches, specifically emphasizing advancements in nanomedicine. Nanoparticles, with their tunable physicochemical properties and the ability to navigate biological barriers, offer a promising platform for targeted drug delivery and autophagy modulation. This book chapter focuses on recent advancements in utilizing nanoparticles to regulate autophagy in cancer cells. We discuss the principles of autophagy modulation and the design considerations for engineering nanoparticles to effectively influence autophagy. In conclusion, the integration of autophagy-targeted nanoparticles into cancer treatment strategies holds immense potential for improving therapeutic efficacy and revolutionizing the landscape of cancer therapy.