Nanotechnology in Oncology: The Potential of Nanoparticles in the Administration of Antineoplastic Drugs

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15941012402127

• Palavras-chave: Nanomedicine, Nanotechnology; Nanoparticles; Cancer Treatment.

• Keywords: Nanomedicine, Nanotechnology; Nanoparticles; Cancer Treatment.

• Abstract:

  Nanoparticles are agglomerated molecules on the nanometer scale, which are used in nanotechnology because of their unique structure, enabling the delivery of medicinal substances. They have their own characteristics, such as physicochemical qualities, greater pharmacological bioavailability and the option for researchers to pre-architect their structures for a specific interaction. The aim of this work was to demonstrate through a literature review the main types of nanoparticles currently used to deliver drugs to target cells and to explain how they have the potential to be used in cancer treatment in the future. Conventional cancer treatment has faced challenges in effectively targeting chemotherapy drugs inside cancer cells, often resulting in collateral damage to patients. In this context, nanoparticles have emerged as a promising alternative, as they have demonstrated significant results in the targeted delivery of drugs to the interior of target cells, due to their ability to penetrate the plasma membrane. However, studies also indicate potential harmful effects associated with nanoparticles, especially in prolonged exposure, which can cause toxicity to both the human body and the environment. Therefore, further research is needed, both in vivo and in vitro, to better understand the long-term consequences of this technology. Furthermore, more in-depth investigations into the biology of cancer on the nanometric scale are essential to improve the precision and safety of using nanoparticles as a therapeutic alternative in cancer treatment