Approaches for reducing chemo/radiation-induced cardiotoxicity by nanoparticles

Environ Res. 2024 Mar 1:244:117264. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117264. Epub 2023 Sep 28.

Abstract

Nanoparticles are fascinating and encouraging carriers for cancer treatment due to their extraordinary properties and potential applications in targeted drug delivery, treatment, and diagnosis. Experimental studies including in vitro and in vivo examinations show that nanoparticles can cause a revolution in different aspects of cancer therapy. Normal tissue toxicity and early and late consequences are the major limitations of cancer therapy by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the delivery of drugs into tumors or reducing the accumulation of drugs in normal tissues can permit a more satisfactory response of malignancies to therapy with more inferior side effects. Cardiac toxicity is one of the major problems for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, several experimental studies have been performed to minimize the degenerative impacts of cancer treatment on the heart and also enhance the influences of radiotherapy and chemotherapy agents in cancers. This review article emphasizes the benefits of nanoparticle-based drug delivery techniques, including minimizing the exposure of the heart to anticancer drugs, enhancing the accumulation of drugs in cancers, and expanding the effectiveness of radiotherapy. The article also discusses the challenges and problems accompanied with nanoparticle-based drug delivery techniques such as toxicity, which need to be addressed through further research. Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of developing safe and effective nanoparticle-based therapies that can be translated into clinical practice.

Keywords: Cardiotoxicity; Chemotherapy; Co-delivery; Doxorubicin; Heart; Nanoparticles; Radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / adverse effects
  • Cardiotoxicity / drug therapy
  • Cardiotoxicity / etiology
  • Cardiotoxicity / prevention & control
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / radiotherapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents