Cancer therapies: Applications, nanomedicines and nanotoxicology

• Type: Chapter or Part of a Book
• Date: 2017

Authors

Andreani, T (Author) Other; Severino, P (Author) Other; de Hollanda, LM (Author) Other; Vazzana, M (Author) Other; Souto, SB (Author) Other; Santini, A (Author) Other; Silva, AM (Author) Other; Souto, EB (Author) Other

Book

Title: Nanostructures for Cancer Therapy

Pages: 241-260

ISBN: 9780323461443

Indexing

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-GY4

DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-46144-3.00009-x

Abstract (EN): Nanotechnology is one of the most innovative scientific research fields, especially with regard to medical applications. The use of nanotechnology in medical applications is called nanomedicine and is based on the application of nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment of several clinical conditions. In particular, many physicochemically distinct nanomaterials have been tested in the form of nanoparticles for cancer diagnosis and therapy. This new branch of science, in which nanotechnology is used against cancer, has been named nanooncology. Nanooncology uses materials in nanoscale to delineate the tumor margins, to separate cancer cells from healthy cells, to identify micrometastasis, and to determine if the tumor has been completely removed or not. This approach means fewer side effects and less drug use. Nanoparticles also have the potential of site-specific targeting and controlled drug release; thus, a strong dose of drug could be concentrated within a specific area, but with a planned and scheduled release, to ensure maximum effectiveness and patient safety. Although being designed to target specific organs/tissues/cells, nanoparticles may interfere with other organs/tissues, such as liver and blood. Nanoparticles can be engineered to avoid the immune system recognition or to specifically inhibit or enhance the immune responses; they are strange bodies for the immune system and may induce undesirable immunotoxicity. This chapter highlights the benefits of nanotechnology and of nanomedicines for cancer diagnosis and therapy, focusing on the relevant aspects of nanotoxicology.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific