Nanotechnology-based combinational drug delivery: an emerging approach for cancer therapy

Drug Discov Today. 2012 Sep;17(17-18):1044-52. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2012.05.010. Epub 2012 May 29.

Abstract

Combination therapy for the treatment of cancer is becoming more popular because it generates synergistic anticancer effects, reduces individual drug-related toxicity and suppresses multi-drug resistance through different mechanisms of action. In recent years, nanotechnology-based combination drug delivery to tumor tissues has emerged as an effective strategy by overcoming many biological, biophysical and biomedical barriers that the body stages against successful delivery of anticancer drugs. The sustained, controlled and targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs in a combination approach enhanced therapeutic anticancer effects with reduced drug-associated side effects. In this article, we have reviewed the scope of various nanotechnology-based combination drug delivery approaches and also summarized the current perspective and challenges facing the successful treatment of cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles / therapeutic use
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*