Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery Systems: A Targeted Approach in Cancer Therapy

Ananya Reddy¹, Kiran Kumar², Mehak Jain³

1,2,3 Department of Biotechnology,

BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a transformative approach in cancer therapy, offering enhanced precision, reduced toxicity, and improved therapeutic outcomes. These systems, encompassing liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and metallic nanoparticles, enable targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to tumor sites, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This article provides a comprehensive overview of nanocarrier technologies, their design principles, and their applications in oncology. Through a detailed literature review, experimental insights, and data analysis, we explore the efficacy, challenges, and future potential of nanocarriers in cancer treatment. This targeted approach significantly enhances the precision of drug delivery, resulting in reduced systemic toxicity and improved therapeutic efficacy. The unique properties of nanocarriers, such as their small size, high surface area-to-volume ratio, and ability to be functionalized with targeting ligands, enable them to overcome biological barriers and accumulate preferentially in tumor tissues through mechanisms

Despite their promising potential, the development and clinical translation of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems face several challenges. Scalability remains a significant hurdle, as the complex manufacturing processes required for nanocarrier production can be difficult to scale up for commercial production while maintaining consistent quality and performance. Biocompatibility is another critical concern, as the long-term effects of nanoparticles on human health and the environment are not yet fully understood. Additionally, regulatory frameworks for nanomedicine are still evolving, presenting obstacles in the approval process for new nanocarrier-based therapies. Ongoing research focuses on addressing these challenges, optimizing nanocarrier design for enhanced stability and targeting efficiency, and exploring novel applications in combination therapies and theranostics. As the field advances, nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems are poised to play an increasingly important role in personalized cancer treatment strategies, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords

Nanocarriers, Drug Delivery, Cancer Therapy, Targeted Therapy, Nanoparticles, Liposomes, Polymeric Nanoparticles, Dendrimers, Metallic Nanoparticles, Tumor Microenvironment

References

• Hristova-Panusheva, K., Krasteva, N., Georgieva, M., & Xenodochidis, C. (2024). Nanoparticle-Mediated Drug Delivery Systems for Precision Targeting in Oncology. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 17(6), 677. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060677
• Barenholz, Y. (2012). Doxil®—The first FDA-approved nano-drug: Lessons learned. Journal of Controlled Release, 160(2), 117–134.
• Blanco, E., Shen, H., & Ferrari, M. (2015). Principles of nanoparticle design for overcoming biological barriers to drug delivery. Nature Biotechnology, 33(9), 941–951.
• Mura, S., Nicolas, J., & Couvreur, P. (2013). Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for drug delivery. Nature Materials, 12(11), 991–1003.
• Tomalia, D. A., Baker, H., Dewald, J., Hall, M., Kallos, G., Martin, S., … & Smith, P. (2007). Dendrimers in biomedical applications—Reflections on the field. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 59(7), 677–694.
• Cheng, Z., Huang, H., Yin, M., & Liu, H. (2025). Applications of liposomes and lipid nanoparticles in cancer therapy: current advances and prospects. Experimental Hematology & Oncology, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40164-025-00602-1
• Singh, R., Kumar, B., Sahu, R. K., Kumari, S., Prasad, A., & Hedau, S. T. (2022). Potential of Dual Drug Delivery Systems: MOF as Hybrid Nanocarrier for Dual Drug Delivery in Cancer Treatment. ChemistrySelect, 7(36). https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202201288
• Edgar, J. Y. C., & Wang, H. (2017). Introduction for Design of Nanoparticle Based Drug Delivery Systems. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 23(14). https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612822666161025154003
• Ruman, U., Hussein, M. Z., Fakurazi, S., & Masarudin, M. J. (2020). Nanocarrier-Based Therapeutics and Theranostics Drug Delivery Systems for Next Generation of Liver Cancer Nanodrug Modalities. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 15(2), 1437–1456. https://doi.org/10.2147/ijn.s236927
• Kumar, A., Raikwar, S., Kumar, A., Sharma, T., Mukherjee, D., Islam, M. M., Narang, R. K., Kahlon, M. S., & Lunawat, A. K. (2024). Recent Trends in Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery System for Prostate Cancer. AAPS PharmSciTech, 25(3). https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-024-02765-2
• Sohail, M., Li, Z., Zhao, F., Chen, D., Xu, H., Fu, F., & Guo, W. (2020). Nanocarrier-based Drug Delivery System for Cancer Therapeutics: A Review of the Last Decade. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 28(19), 3753–3772. https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867327666201005111722
• Dutta, I., Singh, S., Kumar, N., Rahaman, A., & Tiwari, M. K. (2025). Nanoparticles (NPs) Based Drug Delivery System: An Inspiring Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer Therapy and Their Future Prospects. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 15(4), 133–143. https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v15i4.7040
• Deb, V. K., & Jain, U. (2024). Ti3C2 (MXene), an advanced carrier system: role in photothermal, photoacoustic, enhanced drugs delivery and biological activity in cancer therapy. Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 14(11), 3009–3031. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13346-024-01572-3
• Gul Inci, T., Acar, S., & Turgut-Balik, D. (2024). Nonsmall-cell lung cancer treatment: current status of drug repurposing and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Turkish Journal of Biology = Turk Biyoloji Dergisi, 48(2), 112–132. https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0152.2687
• Thakkar, M., & S, B. (2016). Opportunities and Challenges for Niosomes as Drug Delivery Systems. Current Drug Delivery, 13(8), 1275–1289. https://doi.org/10.2174/1567201813666160328113522