Oral administration of a drug is the most convenient route of treatment for
the majority of diseases/disorders. However, there are limitations such as poor
solubility, low intrinsic permeability, efflux transport, and extensive metabolism by the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract/liver. To overcome these problems, nanoparticles (NPs) have
been extensively studied as drug carriers. Previous results suggest that NP therapy can
enhance the efficacy, while reducing side effects simultaneously. The development of
nanotechnology for the management of cancer, a PEGgylated liposome NP formulation
filled with anticancer drug (doxorubicin) had been developed as a first NP based
therapy and received FDA approval in 1995. Approximately 20 varieties nanomedicine
preparations are in for cancer chemotherapy clinical investigation. Various nano
carriers used for cancer therapy need stabilization without effecting the physiological
action of drug, its deposition at site of intended tumour and also decrease toxicity. The
chapter emphases on NP technology with main focus on the formulation of
nanomedicine for cancer therapy. This technique involves liposomes, polymeric NPs,
polymeric conjugates, micelles, dendrimers, polymersomes and inorganic/metallic NPs.
Keywords: Cancer therapy, Intravenous, Nanoparticles, Nanomedicine, Oral drug
administration, Treatment.
