Polymeric nanomedicine for cancer therapy

Nanomedicine, an offshoot of nanotechnology, refers to highly specific, molecular-scale medical intervention for treating disease or repairing damaged tissues. In recent years, polymer-based nanomedicine, a field that includes the use of polymer–DNA complexes (polyplexes), polymer–drug conjugates, a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Progress in polymer science 2008, Vol.33 (1), p.113-137
Main Authors: Park, Jae Hyung, Lee, Seulki, Kim, Jong-Ho, Park, Kyeongsoon, Kim, Kwangmeyung, Kwon, Ick Chan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Angiogenesis
Applied sciences
Biological and medical sciences
Cancer therapy
Drug carrier
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
General pharmacology
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous
Pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical industry
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Polymeric nanomedicine
Targeted delivery
Technology of polymers
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Summary:Nanomedicine, an offshoot of nanotechnology, refers to highly specific, molecular-scale medical intervention for treating disease or repairing damaged tissues. In recent years, polymer-based nanomedicine, a field that includes the use of polymer–DNA complexes (polyplexes), polymer–drug conjugates, and polymer micelles bearing hydrophobic drugs, has received increasing attention for its ability to improve the efficacy of cancer therapeutics. Owing to their small size and excellent biocompatibility, nanosized polymer therapeutic agents can circulate in the bloodstream for long periods of time, allowing them to reach the target site. In addition, chemical modification of polymer therapeutic agents with ligands capable of specifically binding receptors that are over-expressed in cancer cells can markedly augment therapeutic efficiency. This review highlights the characteristics of cancer that provide nanodrug targeting opportunities and discusses rational approaches for future development of polymeric nanomedicines.
ISSN:0079-6700
1873-1619
DOI:10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2007.09.003