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Obstacles and opportunities in a forward vision for cancer nanomedicine

Obstacles and opportunities in a forward vision for cancer nanomedicine Cancer nanomedicines were initially envisioned as magic bullets, travelling through the circulation to target tumours while sparing healthy tissues the toxicity of classic chemotherapy. While a limited number of nanomedicine therapies have resulted, the disappointing news is that major obstacles were overlooked in the nanoparticle’s journey. However, some of these challenges may be turned into opportunities. Here, we discuss biological barriers to cancer nanomedicines and elaborate on two directions that the field is currently exploring to meet its initial expectations. The first strategy entails re-engineering cancer nanomedicines to prevent undesired interactions en route to the tumour. The second aims instead to leverage these obstacles into out-of-the-box diagnostic and therapeutic applications of nanomedicines, for cancer and beyond. Both paths require, among other developments, a deeper understanding of nano–bio interactions. We offer a forward look at how classic cancer nanomedicine may overcome its limitations while contributing to other areas of research. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Nature Materials Springer Journals

Obstacles and opportunities in a forward vision for cancer nanomedicine

de Lázaro, Irene; Mooney, David J.
Nature Materials , Volume 20 (11) – Nov 1, 2021
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References (93)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © Springer Nature Limited 2021
ISSN
1476-1122
eISSN
1476-4660
DOI
10.1038/s41563-021-01047-7
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Cancer nanomedicines were initially envisioned as magic bullets, travelling through the circulation to target tumours while sparing healthy tissues the toxicity of classic chemotherapy. While a limited number of nanomedicine therapies have resulted, the disappointing news is that major obstacles were overlooked in the nanoparticle’s journey. However, some of these challenges may be turned into opportunities. Here, we discuss biological barriers to cancer nanomedicines and elaborate on two directions that the field is currently exploring to meet its initial expectations. The first strategy entails re-engineering cancer nanomedicines to prevent undesired interactions en route to the tumour. The second aims instead to leverage these obstacles into out-of-the-box diagnostic and therapeutic applications of nanomedicines, for cancer and beyond. Both paths require, among other developments, a deeper understanding of nano–bio interactions. We offer a forward look at how classic cancer nanomedicine may overcome its limitations while contributing to other areas of research.

Journal

Nature Materials – Springer Journals

Published: Nov 1, 2021

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