Recent insights into nanotechnology development for detection and treatment of colorectal cancer

Int J Nanomedicine. 2016 Jun 2:11:2491-504. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S108715. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

The global incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is 1.3 million cases. It is the third most frequent cancer in males and females. Most CRCs are adenocarcinomas and often begin as a polyp on the inner wall of the rectum or colon. Some of these polyps become malignant, eventually. Detecting and removing these polyps in time can prevent CRC. Therefore, early diagnosis of CRC is advantageous for preventive and instant action interventions to decrease the mortality rates. Nanotechnology has been enhancing different methods for the detection and treatment of CRCs, and the research has provided hope within the scientific community for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review presents the recent development of nanotechnology for the detection and treatment of CRC.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; detection; nanotechnology; targeted therapy; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Humans
  • Nanomedicine / methods*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Quantum Dots / chemistry