Abstract

Nanomedicine is focused on the development of submicrometer carriers designed for improving the biodistribution of systemically administered drugs. Nanoparticles have been exploited for immunoassays, immunohistochemistry, cancer diagnostics, bioseparation of specific cell populations, and cellular imaging. Public awareness on the use of these novel therapeutic approaches is increasing due to the exponential boom of nanotechnologies in the latest years. With respect to cancer therapy, several tumour-targeted nanomedicines have been evaluated over the years, and there is a clear evidence for substantial improvement of the therapeutic index of antineoplastics. The present review addresses the most relevant targeting strategies, discussing the major public awareness, therapeutic advances and future directions in the development of tumour-targeted nanomedicines.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Nanomedicine, Cancer, Gene therapy, Anti-neoplastic drugs, Cancer diagnosis, Public health, Nanoparticles, Molecular imaging, nanocrystal fluorophores