Title:Functional Nanoplatforms for Enhancement of Chemotherapeutic Index
VOLUME: 13 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Jaemoon Yang, Eugene Lee, Minhee Ku, Yong-Min Huh and Jae-Ho Cheong
Affiliation:Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea.
Keywords:Anti-cancer agents, Cancer, Combination chemotherapy, Nanoparticle, Synergistic effect
Abstract:Recently, the advancement of nanotechnology has had a significant impact on clinical therapeutics. Advances in biocompatible drug carriers using organic/inorganic nanoparticles have enabled safer and more efficient delivery of anti-cancer agents. In particular, nanoparticles designed and fabricated by sophisticated processes can (as drug carriers) deliver precise doses of multiple anti-cancer agents to target cancer cells, improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of cancer biology, chemo-resistance, cancer relapse, and metastasis is essential for successful development of combination therapy using nanoparticles. In this review, we discuss the species of functional nanoparticles for delivery of anti-cancer agents and their potential to improve chemotherapeutic indices via combination therapy. We also discuss novel therapeutic strategies using functional nanoparticles developed through multidisciplinary collaboration for combination chemotherapy.
