Title:Drug Targeting Approaches and Use of Drug Delivery Systems in Management of Cancer
Volume: 27
Issue: 45
Author(s): Alka Ahuja*, Gurpreet K. Narde, Nida M.A. Wadi and Dhanalekshmi U. Meenakshi
Affiliation:
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Muscat,Oman
Keywords:
Drug delivery, targeted therapies, cancer, toxicity, approach, chemotherapy, treatment strategies.
Abstract: Mutations and their manifestations in the form of various diseases and disorders result in cancer
which is a major cause of human death worldwide. A considerable amount of information is available at the cellular,
molecular and genetic levels regarding the occurrence and spread of precarious cancer; yet, there is no
cure. The traditional methods of treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical intervention have
shown to be moderately effective and to keep some types of cancer under control, but each modality has its
own advantages and disadvantages. In recent years, more advanced methods such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy,
and precision medicine are shown to be promising, and these fields continue to expand rapidly
along with the conventional methods. This review focuses on the reports of advanced methods of treatment
from a scientific standpoint to recognize many new and modern approaches. Selective targeting of the tumour
cells by nanoparticle-based novel drug delivery approaches includes the latest innovations in their preparation
strategies and applications. The concept of precision medicine and its impact on treatment are highlighted here
with the hope of individualised therapy with minimum side effects as a part of ever-expanding treatment strategies.
Additional challenges related to cancer treatment like multi-drug resistance and toxicity are also deliberated
in brief. Based on the available reports and scientific evidence, better targeted approaches with better quality
clinical outcomes and more precise drug delivery to fit individual treatment needs are anticipated in the near future
to control this deadly disease.
