Translational Aspect of Cancer Nanomedicine: Present Status and Future Perspectives

Cancer is widely recognized as the most lethal disease globally, both in terms of fatality rates and the limited availability of effective treatment options. Ongoing research on cancer treatment remains highly active and holds significant societal significance. Chemotherapeutics have been employed for the treatment of cancer since an earlier period. Nevertheless, traditional therapies are linked to discomfort, adverse reactions, and a deficiency in specificity. Nanomedicines are a promising option since they have the capacity to specifically target certain areas, are easily absorbed by the body, and have minimal harmful effects. Nanoparticles selectively engage cancer cells through both active and passive methods. Following the FDA’s clearance of several types of nanomedicine, several nanotherapeutics have been created, with a handful receiving approval for their use in cancer treatment. In addition to liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and nanoemulsions, more recent methods utilizing extracellular vesicles (EVs) are currently under investigation and being put into practical use. This chapter provides an overview of the development and present state of cancer treatment, as well as translational gap in cancer research, specifically examining clinical and preclinical investigations on nanomedicine for cancer. Additionally, this offers valuable information about the potential outcomes in this matter.