Recent Advances in Nanoparticle-Mediated Diagnosis and the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jul 28;22(15):8060. doi: 10.3390/ijms22158060.

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC), one of the most lethal solid tumors in humans, has a five-year survival rate of only 4%. Surgical treatment is the only accepted therapy with curative intent because the vast majority of these tumors are chemoresistant. Unfortunately, due to the aggressive nature of these tumors, fewer than 20% are resectable when the first symptoms occur. Novel therapies are required to overcome all these therapeutic issues, and the development of active nanocarriers represents an exciting opportunity to improve PC outcomes. The present review focuses on recent advances in the field of nanotechnology with application in PC treatment.

Keywords: drug delivery; nanoparticles; pancreatic cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles / therapeutic use*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents