Overcoming drug resistance with specific nano scales to targeted therapy: Focused on metastatic cancers

Pathol Res Pract. 2024 Mar:255:155137. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155137. Epub 2024 Jan 14.

Abstract

Metastatic cancer, which accounts for the majority of cancer fatalities, is a difficult illness to treat. Currently used cancer treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and targeted treatment (immune, gene, and hormonal). The disadvantages of these treatments include a high risk of tumor recurrence and surgical complications that may result in permanent deformities. On the other hand, most chemotherapy drugs are small molecules, which usually have unfavorable side effects, low absorption, poor selectivity, and multi-drug resistance. Anticancer drugs can be delivered precisely to the cancer spot by encapsulating them to reduce side effects. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers can be used for drug release at cancer sites and provide target-specific delivery. As previously stated, metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality. We have evaluated the usage of nano-medications in the treatment of some metastatic tumors.

Keywords: Metastatic cancer; Nano drug; Scales; Signaling; Targeted Therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents