The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current evolutions on nanotechnology and its applications on cancer
theragnostics.Rapid advances and emerging technologies in nanotechnology are having a profound impact on cancer
treatment. Applications of nanotechnology, which include liposomes, nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, dendrimers,
nanocantilever, carbon nanotubes and quantum dots have significantly revolutionized cancer theragnostics. From a
pharmaceutical viewpoint, it is critical that the biodistribution of active agents has to be controlled as much as
possible. This aspect is vital in order to assure the proper efficiency and safety of the anticancer agents. These
biocompatible nanocomposites provide specific biochemical interactions with receptors expressed on the surface of
cancer cells. With passive or active targeting strategies, an increased intracellular concentration of drugs can be
achieved in cancer cells , while normal cells are being protected from the drug simultaneously. Thus,
nanotechnology restricts the extent of the adverse effects of the anticancer therapy. Treatment for metastatic breast
cancer, sarcoma in AIDS patients, ovarian and lung cancer is already on market or under final phases of many
clinical trials, showing remarkable results. As nanotechnology is perfected, side effects due to normal cell damage
will decrease, leading to better results and lengthening patient's survival.
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