Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the common form of cancer occurring
worldwide, having a high occurrence rate and also high mortality (death) rate.
Chemotherapy and conventional approaches to treat CRCs are outdated and newer
strategies are required to combat colorectal cancer. Neoadjuvant therapies have also
shown some promise but have some major side effects, like building up intrinsic
resistance and systemic toxicity problems associated with such therapies. Cancer
nanomedicine, a rapidly developing interdisciplinary research field, is one of the new
strategies being developed to address these issues. The use of nanoparticles and
nanotechnology in cancer medicine has exploded in popularity over the last few
decades. This is due to nanoparticles' suitable physical and chemical properties for in
vivo applications. Cancer nanomedicine has been extensively studied in preclinical and
clinical settings for targeted drug delivery and imaging. Nanomedicine, along with the
theranostic approach, has been proposed as a novel way to improve CRC diagnosis and
treatment.
Keywords: Nano-formulations, Nanoparticles, Prodrugs, Theranostics.