Nanotechnology: Breaking the Current Treatment Limits of Lung Cancer

Adv Healthc Mater. 2021 Jun;10(12):e2100078. doi: 10.1002/adhm.202100078. Epub 2021 May 21.

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the most rapidly growing malignancies in terms of morbidity and mortality. Although traditional treatments have been used for more than 50 years, it is still far from solving the problems of postoperative risks and systemic toxicity. Emerging targeting and immunotherapy are developing continuously and are gaining recognition; eventually, they face the inevitable challenge of drug resistance. Nanotechnology has several important effects on lung cancer treatment, owing to its unique properties. Several nanoparticle-based treatments have successfully become cancer treatments. Good biocompatibility with higher specific surface area can carry substantial amounts of lung cancer treatment medications while avoiding medication toxicity; editable and modified characteristics give rise to multifunctional nanomedicines; excellent photoelectric effects make lung cancer a multimodal treatment. This article summarizes the breakthroughs achieved by nanotechnology, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, reflecting the importance and necessity of nanotechnology in the treatment of lung cancer.

Keywords: lung cancer; nanotechnology; targeted treatment; treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Nanomedicine
  • Nanoparticles* / therapeutic use
  • Nanotechnology
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy