Therapeutic Potential of Nanocrystals for Targeting Lymphoid Carcinoma

Globally, cancer ranks second for mortality rate with the mark of >ten million deaths in 2020 only. Cancer is characterized by the transmutation of normal healthy cells to abnormal cancerous cells in a multistage tumor progression. Generally, cancer is categorized as malignant (or metastatic) and benign. In metastatic embedment, lymphatics are the favorable site for carcinogenic foreign invaders. The progression of lymphatic cancer causes uncontrolled growth of all the immune cells which ensures infection of almost every organ. However, in normal individuals, lymphatics are regarded as a prominent framework for host defense with the major components of helper T-cells and B cells. Currently, available treatment modalities include painful procedures of surgical interventions, chemotherapy in combination with immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. These traditional treatments encounter various limitations which affect the socioeconomic status of a patient and their family wards. However, promising pharmaceutical nanoengineered approaches change the face of treatment and keep the pace in the patient’s recovery when compared with conventional treatment. From all the nanotechnological approaches, nanocrystal is regarded as a smart nanosized carrier as it offers advantages like targeting precision, high drug loading, devoid of organic solvents or solubilizing agents, and ease of entry within the lymphatic system via leaky tumor vasculature. Recent advancements in multifunctional nanocrystal have shown the potential of nanocrystal as a versatile delivery vehicle for lymphatic targeting with anticancer therapeutics. In this chapter, we will describe lymphatic cancer development, the need for amalgamation of nanotechnology with anticancer therapeutics, nanocrystals feasibility in lymphatic cancer targeting, and the sophistication employed in designing the nanocrystal.