Multifunctional and multitargeted nanoparticles for drug delivery to overcome barriers of drug resistance in human cancers.

Drug Discov Today

Nanomedicine Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biomedical Research (LIMBR), School of Medicine (SoM), Molecular and Medical Research (MMR) Strategic Research Centre, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3217, Australia.

Published: December 2013

The recurrence and metastatic spread of cancer are major drawbacks in cancer treatment. Although chemotherapy is one of the most effective methods for the treatment of metastatic cancers, it is nonspecific and causes significant toxic damage. The development of drug resistance to chemotherapeutic agents through various mechanisms also limits their therapeutic potential. However, as we discuss here, the use of nanodelivery systems that are a combination of diagnostics and therapeutics (theranostics) is as relatively novel concept in the treatment of cancer. Such systems are likely to improve the therapeutic benefits of encapsulated drugs and can transit to the desired site, maintaining their pharmaceutical properties. The specific targeting of malignant cells using multifunctional nanoparticles exploits theranostics as an improved agent for delivering anticancer drugs and as a new solution for overriding drug resistance.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drudis.2013.09.009DOI Listing

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