Smart Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances and Future Prospects

Smart nanocarriers have become a pivotal innovation in cancer therapy, enhancing the delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor sites while minimizing systemic toxicity. These nanocarriers, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, exosomes, and carbon-based materials, have revolutionized the way drugs are administered in oncology. Their ability to overcome limitations of traditional treatments, such as poor drug solubility, limited bioavailability, and off-target effects, makes them a promising approach for targeted drug delivery. The mechanisms of targeting, such as passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and active targeting through receptor-mediated endocytosis, further enhance the specificity of drug delivery. Recent advances in stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and theranostic platforms have opened new avenues for personalized medicine, where treatment can be adjusted based on the tumor environment and patient characteristics. However, despite the considerable progress, there are still challenges in terms of scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term safety that need to be addressed. This review explores the current state of smart nanocarriers in cancer therapy, their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and the future prospects that continue to shape this dynamic field.