Breaking Barriers in Cancer Treatment: An updated review on Clinical Translation of Novel Nanocarrier Systems

Cancer remains a significant cause of illness and death globally, and it is therefore crucialto find new ways to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Chemotherapy hasthe potential to act effectively on cancer cells but also impacts normal cells, leading toserious side effects. In this review, we discuss how nanotechnology is overcoming thesechallenges through novel concepts aimed at improving the specificity and efficiency ofchemotherapy delivery. Through the utilization of nanocarriers (NCs), including lipid-based, polymer-based, protein-based, carbon-based, and inorganic nanosystems (suchas metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and metal-organic frameworks), as well as hybrid and responsive nanosystems, nanotechnologyenables more specific and sensitive targeted drug delivery. All of these approaches canreduce undesired side effects and enhance treatment outcomes by facilitating the potentialfor earlier treatment and diagnosis. Our review article presents an overview of ongoingclinical trials and FDA-approved NC-based anticancer therapies, unveiling progress inthe field. Utilizing nanotechnology for cancer treatment represents a significant paradigmshift, with the potential to revolutionize drug delivery, minimize side effects, andultimately improve the lives of cancer patients. We also highlight the challenges inherentin utilizing NCs for targeted drug delivery, alongside potential strategies to tackle theseobstacles, with the ultimate goal of advancing cancer therapy and improving overallsurvival rates for patients.