Recent Advances in Targeted Tumor Chemotherapy Based on Smart Nanomedicines

Small. 2018 Nov;14(45):e1802417. doi: 10.1002/smll.201802417. Epub 2018 Sep 3.

Abstract

Efficacy and safety of chemotherapeutic drugs constitute two major criteria in tumor chemotherapy. Nanomedicines with tumor-targeted properties hold great promise for improving the efficacy and safety. To design targeted nanomedicines, the pathological characteristics of tumors are extensively and deeply excavated. Here, the rationale, principles, and advantages of exploiting these pathological characteristics to develop targeted nanoplatforms for tumor chemotherapy are discussed. Homotypic targeting with the ability of self-recognition to source tumors is reviewed individually. In the meanwhile, the limitations and perspective of these targeted nanomedicines are also discussed.

Keywords: drug delivery; nanomedicine; target; tumor microenvironment; tumor therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Humans
  • Nanomedicine / methods*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Tumor Microenvironment / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents