Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (Part 2)

Nanotechnology and Precision Medicine

Author(s): Noufa Alonazi*, Talat Abdullah Albukhari and Naif M. Alruwaili

Pp: 236-270 (35)

DOI: 10.2174/9789815124606123010008

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology are now almost in every field of Science. The field has been growing since it was started in 1959 when the Nobel Prize American physicist, Richard Feynman introduced the concept of nanotechnology; since then, it has involved in almost every field of Science, including chemistry, biology, computer science, physics, and engineering. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are now at the frontline of modernistic research. The term 'nano' referred to a Greek prefix meaning “dwarf” with a scale of one thousand millionths of a meter (10-9 m). Nanoscience is the study of particles and structures on the scale of nanometers. Early detection of cancer plays an important role in successful treatment. The detection of cancer in the early stage has been delayed by the limits of conventional cancer detection methods. Recently, the uprising in the use of Nanomedicine and nanotechnology in health care offers hope for the detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Nanomedicine drugs have been observed to be involved in the treatment of solid tumors. Also, it is based on enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR). The main characteristics of EPR are related to tumor vessel permeability which allows enhanced permeability (EP) of large particles (macro molecules proteins, micelles & liposomes). Nanomedicine transport can be hindered from Tumor-associated microphage (TAM) by poor blood perfusion, high Extracellular Matrix (ECM) dense and high tumor stromal cells. Electrochemotherapy is commonly used in palliative settings for the treatment of patients with unresectable tumors to relieve pain and improve the quality of life. It is also frequently used in the treatment of neoplasia at a late stage and when comprehensive surgical treatment is not possible due to the size, location, and the number of the lesion. As the treatment does not involve tissue heating, so Electrochemotherapy is used for the treatment of tumors near or close to important structures like vessels and nerves. Electrochemotherapy has a favorable side effect in the form of local and transient, moderate local pain, edema, erythema, and muscle contractions during electroporation.

© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy