Novel Strategies for Nanotherapeutics against Cancers

Dear Colleagues,

Nanotherapeutics, which encompasses the use of nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic agents specifically to cancer cells, represents a promising approach in the fight against cancer. The scope of novel strategies in nanotherapeutics to treat cancers is vast and continuously expanding. The potential for these strategies to improve the precision, effectiveness, and safety of cancer treatments is immense. As research and development efforts progress, we can expect to see more innovative approaches reaching clinical practice, offering new hope to cancer patients and transforming the landscape of cancer therapy. Advances in targeting strategies can lead to nanoparticles that specifically home in on cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues, resulting in more effective and less toxic treatments. Customised nanoparticles tailored to an individual's unique tumour characteristics have the potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce adverse effects. In addition to such personalised therapies, combination therapies that integrate multiple therapeutic agents within a single nanoparticle delivery system can enhance treatment efficacy by addressing various aspects of cancer simultaneously. Similarly, nanoparticle-based gene editing and gene therapy can provide precise and targeted solutions for addressing genetic mutations that drive cancer progression as novel strategies in nanotherapeutics. All these methods address several unique approaches to cancer treatment, and this Special Issue will focus on the versatile features of the advances in nanotherapeutics in cancer treatment.

This Special Issue of Pharmaceutics, 'Novel Strategies for Nanotherapeutics against Cancers’, aims to summarise relevant work and serve to promote future developments in bioprocessing, nanotherapeutics and advances in cancer treatment using cell and gene therapy. To this end, we seek research contributions that address nanotherapeutics in cancer prognosis, treatment and further prophylaxis. Topics of interest include:

• Nanoparticle engineering;
• Targeted drug delivery;
• Functionalisation and ligand modification;
• Immunotherapy enhancement: nanoparticles can be designed to carry immunotherapeutic agents such as checkpoint inhibitors or vaccines;
• Personalised medicine: the development of patient-specific nanoparticles is gaining momentum;
• Combination therapy: nanoparticles enable the delivery of multiple therapeutic agents, allowing for combination therapy. This can include chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, and immunotherapeutic agents delivered simultaneously to enhance treatment efficacy;
• RNA and gene therapy: nanoparticles can deliver RNA-based therapeutics, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) or messenger RNA (mRNA), to modulate gene expression in cancer cells. Gene therapy via nanoparticles could be used to address various genetic mutations in cancer;
• pH-responsive nanoparticles: pH-sensitive nanoparticles can release their cargo specifically in an acidic tumour microenvironment, enhancing drug release and reducing off-target effects;
• Photothermal and photodynamic therapy: nanoparticles can be used for photothermal and photodynamic therapy. Gold nanoparticles, for example, can absorb light energy and convert it into heat to selectively destroy cancer cells. Similarly, photosensitising nanoparticles can generate reactive oxygen species under light exposure to induce cell death;
• Enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect optimisation: strategies to improve the EPR effect, which allows nanoparticles to accumulate in tumours, are of particular interest. This includes using particle size, shape, and surface properties to maximise nanoparticle retention in the tumour tissue;
• Biomimetic nanoparticles: biomimetic nanoparticles are designed to mimic the characteristics of cells or cellular components. These nanoparticles can evade the immune system, cross biological barriers, and target specific cell types more effectively;
• Theranostic nanoparticles: theranostic nanoparticles combine therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities. They can deliver therapy while simultaneously imaging the tumour to monitor treatment response;
• Nanoparticle–drug conjugates: conjugating drugs directly to nanoparticles can improve drug stability and control release kinetics. This strategy can enhance drug delivery and reduce systemic toxicity;
• Smart nanoparticles: advanced nanoparticles can respond to specific cues within the body, such as temperature, enzyme activity, or the presence of certain molecules, triggering drug release or altering their properties accordingly;
• Nanoparticle-induced immune responses: some nanoparticles can stimulate the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. This approach, known as immunogenic cell death, can be combined with other immunotherapies;
• Clinical translation: many nanotherapeutics are advancing into clinical trials and gaining approval for cancer treatment. The transition from the laboratory to clinical practice is a significant development.

We look forward to receiving your contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Sreejith Raveendran
Guest Editor

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• targeted therapeutics
• combination therapeutics
• cell and gene therapy
• nanodrug delivery
• cancer drug discovery
• biosensors
• molecular therapeutics
• molecular imaging
• smart nanoparticles
• biomimetic nanoparticles