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Tumor Discovery Targeted drug delivery systems for the treatment of tumors

The exploration of paramagnetic iron oxide and past two decades, these fluorescent particles have found
mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin applications in diagnosis and drug delivery at tumor-
and conjugated with human serum albumin has resulted targeted sites [169] . For instance, Nifontova et al. investigated
in a specific focus on targeting and retention. The the cytotoxicity of quantum dots-loaded microcapsules
developed system exhibits biocompatibility and sustained that were functionalized with trastuzumab, a monoclonal
release characteristics, especially in the hypoxic and antibody [170] . This system specifically targeted the
acidic microenvironment of glioma tumor cells [147] . overexpressed HER2 in breast cancer, demonstrating
These nanocarriers have been investigated as versatile sensitive and promising antibody-mediated tumor
tools for encapsulating drugs, genes, and contrast agents, targeting with quantum dots. AbdElhamid et al. formulated
facilitating not only therapeutic actions but also serving highly fluorescent theranostic nanocapsules based on
as multifunctional probes for imaging tumor cells [148] . For mercaptopropionic acid-coated cadmium telluride
instance, Tang et al. designed a magnetic targeting strategy quantum dots, incorporating dual drugs — honokiol and
that utilizes an antitumor nanoplatform that efficiently celecoxib [171] . These nanocapsules were further modified
synergizes transfection action with magnetic guidance. with anionic chondroitin sulfate (for CD44 targeting) and
Similarly, Reczyńska et al. modified superparamagnetic cationic lactoferrin (low-density lipoprotein targeting).
iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with a combination These multifunctional theranostics exhibited efficient
of non-porous and mesoporous silica coating internalization and were easily traceable due to their
(@SiO2 mSiO2) and non-porous silica coating ( SiO2), fluorescence behavior. Furthermore, they demonstrated
@
@
significantly altering the surface properties and sustaining enhanced cytotoxicity and improved antitumor efficacy
iron release [149] . These modified systems displayed against breast cancer cells.
cytocompatibility and exhibited antiproliferative effects Gold nanoparticles have been intensively engineered
against lung cancer cells (A549 cells). Another widely as nanocarriers for managing tumor-associated issues
employed nanocarrier, mesoporous silica, has attracted due to their biocompatibility, colloidal stability, size
attention due to its theranostic application, attributed tunability, feasible surface modification, and enhanced
to its high pore volume, specific surface area, and well- tissue permeability. These nanocarriers find applications
structured surface properties. in bioimaging and photoacoustic imaging, due to their
Iron oxide nanoparticles and SPIONs have been high electron density, enhanced optical scattering
explored for a myriad of biomedical applications, performance, and non-bleaching fluorescence in
[172]
including the biosensing of tumor-influenced regions. tumor cell imaging . Albertini et al. developed
peptide
acid)-decorated
(arginine-glycine-aspartic
These nanoparticles efficiently reduced tissue T2 relaxation gold nanoparticles for the treatment and diagnosis of
time, promoting better internalization through the tumors [173] . They reported approximately a 4-fold increase
endocytosis pathway [150] . They are versatile carriers capable in accumulation following subcutaneous administration
of loading a range of candidates, such as nucleic acids, and a 1.5-fold increase through the intracranial route in
antineoplastic agents, and chemical inhibitors. SPIONs mice tumors.
that are conjugated with transferrin, aptamers, peptides,
antibodies, or hyaluronic acid serve as efficient tumor- 5. Conclusion
targeted drug delivery systems. They are easily recognized
by overexpressed receptors and feature bioimaging This review summarizes a wide range of nanotechnology-
capabilities while minimizing off-target effects [151] . based targeted drug delivery strategies that are commonly
Moreover, these nanoparticles hold the potential to reverse employed in tumor management. These drug delivery
multidrug resistance effects in chemotherapy and are ideal approaches exhibit cell specificity and selectivity
candidates for diagnostic purposes to monitor therapeutic while minimizing systemic toxicity. Advancements in
nanotechnology have enabled the precise recognition of
performances.
tumor sites, offering hope for successful drug delivery
Semiconductor quantum dots represent a novel to tumor sites. Various versatile nanocarriers, including
class of fluorescent molecular imaging agents known for polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based carriers, vesicular
their exclusive photophysical properties, including dual systems, and inorganic nanocarriers, have undergone
imaging capabilities, enhanced signal brightness, size- extensive investigation for tumor management. These
dependent light emission, and the ability to excite various systems not only facilitate precise target site identification but
fluorescent colors simultaneously. Moreover, these agents also demonstrate a high capacity for tissue internalization.
can effectively bind metal ions to their surfaces due to their Targeting tumor sites through the application of magnetic
high sensitivity and selectivity for metal ions. Over the fields and ultrasound radiation represents an emerging

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2023) 21 https://doi.org/10.36922/td.1356