Tumor-Targeted & Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Nanoparticles in Cancer and Chronic Disease Therapy

Abstract

Nanotechnology has become an outstanding approach to the contemporary therapeutics especially to cancer and chronic diseases in which the traditional drug delivery systems have limitations including lack of specificity, systemic toxicity, and insufficient bioavailability. The pathological conditions of acidic pH, hypoxia, redox imbalance, and overexpressed enzymes can be used as the site-specific delivery of the drug and the controlled release of nanoparticles, which is why the use of tumor-targeted and tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles is a promising solution. These intelligent nanocarriers enhance the therapeutic outcomes with a reduction in adverse effects. Outside of oncology, other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases and neurodegenerative diseases are also investigating the use of such nanoparticles. In this review, the author thoroughly addresses the concepts of tumor targeting, the tumor microenvironment, responsive nanoparticles, their use in cancer and chronic disease therapy, current developments, and issues, as well as future insights.