Nanotechnology integration in oncology for advanced nanoparticle based strategies in targeted cancer diagnosis and treatment
- 1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Sector, Galala University, Suez, 43511, Egypt. [email protected]
- 2Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, AL-Shamal Private University (S.P.U), Idlib, Syrian Arab Republic
- 3Faculty of Pharmacy, Al- Andalus University for Medical Sciences, Qadmus, Tartus, Syrian Arab Republic
Abstract
Cancer remains a major global health challenge. Conventional therapies are often limited by poor tumor selectivity, systemic toxicity, multidrug resistance, and suboptimal pharmacokinetics. Nanotechnology offers a transformative approach in oncology. It enables targeted drug delivery, controlled or stimuli-responsive release, and multifunctional platforms that combine therapy and diagnostics. Nanoparticles enhance drug solubility, prolong circulation, and improve intracellular uptake. These advances are achieved through passive enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) and active targeting mechanisms. Despite robust preclinical success, clinical translation remains inconsistent. Factors such as pronounced inter- and intratumoral EPR variability, long-term toxicity or biodistribution concerns, immune recognition, and stringent regulatory or manufacturing hurdles contribute to high attrition rates. Approved nanomedicines, such as liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®) and albumin-bound paclitaxel (Abraxane®), have achieved meaningful clinical impact. Others, such as thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin (ThermoDox®), have shown variable or limited benefits. This gap highlights persistent differences between promise and performance. This review critically examines nanoparticle synthesis strategies (bottom-up, top-down, microfluidic, and green methods); structural and physicochemical characterization techniques; tumor-targeting mechanisms; and major classes of organic (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, polymeric, micelles, dendrimers), inorganic (carbon-based, metallic, silica, magnetic), and hybrid nanocarriers. Emphasis is placed on mechanistic insights, comparative performance, and translational limitations. Key issues include batch-to-batch variability, lack of standardized nanotoxicology protocols, patient-specific heterogeneity, and regulatory challenges. This review aims to guide the successful integration of nanotechnology into precision cancer therapy.
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BibTeX
@article{fahim2026nanotechnology,
title = {{Nanotechnology integration in oncology for advanced nanoparticle based strategies in targeted cancer diagnosis and treatment}},
author = {Yosri A. Fahim and Ibrahim W. Hasani and Samer Kabba},
journal = {Discover Nano},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.1186/s11671-026-04643-1},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s11671-026-04643-1},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Nanotechnology integration in oncology for advanced nanoparticle based strategies in targeted cancer diagnosis and treatment
AU - Yosri A. Fahim
AU - Ibrahim W. Hasani
AU - Samer Kabba
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/10
JO - Discover Nano
DO - 10.1186/s11671-026-04643-1
UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s11671-026-04643-1
AB - Cancer remains a major global health challenge. Conventional therapies are often limited by poor tumor selectivity, systemic toxicity, multidrug resistance, and suboptimal pharmacokinetics. Nanotechnology offers a transformative approach in oncology. It enables targeted drug delivery, controlled or stimuli-responsive release, and multifunctional platforms that combine therapy and diagnostics. Nanoparticles enhance drug solubility, prolong circulation, and improve intracellular uptake. These advances are achieved through passive enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) and active targeting mechanisms. Despite robust preclinical success, clinical translation remains inconsistent. Factors such as pronounced inter- and intratumoral EPR variability, long-term toxicity or biodistribution concerns, immune recognition, and stringent regulatory or manufacturing hurdles contribute to high attrition rates. Approved nanomedicines, such as liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®) and albumin-bound paclitaxel (Abraxane®), have achieved meaningful clinical impact. Others, such as thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin (ThermoDox®), have shown variable or limited benefits. This gap highlights persistent differences between promise and performance. This review critically examines nanoparticle synthesis strategies (bottom-up, top-down, microfluidic, and green methods); structural and physicochemical characterization techniques; tumor-targeting mechanisms; and major classes of organic (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, polymeric, micelles, dendrimers), inorganic (carbon-based, metallic, silica, magnetic), and hybrid nanocarriers. Emphasis is placed on mechanistic insights, comparative performance, and translational limitations. Key issues include batch-to-batch variability, lack of standardized nanotoxicology protocols, patient-specific heterogeneity, and regulatory challenges. This review aims to guide the successful integration of nanotechnology into precision cancer therapy.
SN - 2731-9229
ER -