Fullerenes for the treatment of cancer: an emerging tool

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Aug;29(39):58607-58627. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-21449-7. Epub 2022 Jul 6.

Abstract

Cancer is a most common cause of mortality globally. Available medicines possess severe side effects owing to their non-specific targeting. Hence, there is a need of an alternative in the healthcare system that should have high efficacy with the least side effects, also having the ability to achieve site-specific targeting and be reproducible. This is possible with the help of fullerenes. Fullerenes are having the unique physicochemical and photosensitizer properties. This article discusses the synthesis, functionalization, mechanism, various properties, and applications of C60 fullerenes in the treatment of cancer. The review article also addresses the various factors influencing the activity of fullerenes including the environmental conditions, toxicity profile, and future prospective.

Keywords: Biocompatibility; Biodegradability; Biosensing; Cancer therapy; Nanomedicine; Nanotechnology; Photodynamic therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fullerenes* / chemistry
  • Fullerenes* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Fullerenes
  • Photosensitizing Agents