Cancer Therapy Based on Smart Drug Delivery with Advanced Nanoparticles

Background: Cancer, as one of the most dangerous disease, causes millions of deaths every year. The main reason is the absence of an effective and thorough treatment. Drug delivery systems have significantly reduced the side-effect of chemotherapy. Combined with nanotechnology, smart drug delivery systems including many different nanoparticles can reduce the side-effect of chemotherapy better than traditional drug delivery systems. Methods: In this article, we will describe in detail the different kinds of nanoparticles and their mechanisms emphasizing the triggering factors in drug delivery. Besides, the application of smart drug delivery systems in imaging will be introduced. Results: Combined with nanotechnology, smart drug delivery systems including many different nanoparticles can reduce the side-effect of chemotherapy better than traditional drug delivery systems. Conclusion: Despite considerable progress in nanoparticle research over the past decade, such as smart drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer, molecular imaging probes and the like. The range of nanoparticles used in multifunction systems for imaging and drug delivery continues to grow and we expect this dilatation to continue. But to make nanoparticles truly a series of clinical products to complement and replace current tools, constant exploration efforts and time are required. Overall, the future looks really bright.