What is Targeted Delivery in Cancer?
Targeted delivery in cancer refers to the strategic administration of therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells and reducing side effects. This approach contrasts with traditional chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells indiscriminately.
How Does Targeted Delivery Work?
Targeted delivery works by exploiting specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as overexpressed receptors or unique antigens. Therapeutic agents are designed to bind to these specific markers, ensuring that the drugs are delivered precisely where they are needed.
Monoclonal Antibodies: These are engineered antibodies designed to attach to specific proteins on cancer cells.
Nanoparticles: These tiny particles can be loaded with drugs and designed to target cancer cells.
Liposomes: These are spherical vesicles that can encapsulate drugs, enhancing delivery to cancer cells.
Ligand-Receptor Targeting: This approach uses ligands that bind to specific receptors on cancer cells to deliver drugs.
Reduced Side Effects: By focusing on cancer cells, healthy cells are less affected, leading to fewer side effects.
Increased Efficacy: Drugs that are concentrated at the site of the tumor are more effective in killing cancer cells.
Personalized Treatment: Targeted delivery can be tailored to the unique genetic makeup of an individual's cancer, offering a more personalized approach.
Resistance: Cancer cells can develop resistance to targeted therapies, making them less effective over time.
Complexity: Designing and manufacturing targeted delivery systems can be complex and costly.
Identification of Targets: Not all cancers have identifiable targets, which limits the applicability of targeted delivery.
New Targets: Identifying new biomarkers and targets for more types of cancer.
Combination Therapies: Combining targeted delivery with other treatments, such as immunotherapy, to enhance efficacy.
Advanced Technologies: Utilizing advanced technologies like CRISPR for more precise targeting.