Recent Advances in Nanooncology

Abstract

Nanobiotechnology is playing an important role in advances in oncology and currently nanooncology is the most important chapter of nanomedicine. Nanobiotechnologies have refined molecular diagnostics and enabled early detection of tumors and discovery of biomarkers of cancer. Various nanoparticles are the basis of diagnostic assays for cancer as well as contrast materials for MRI. Nanobiotechnology is facilitating the discovery and development of drugs for cancer. Several nanobiotechnologies, mostly based on nanoparticles, have been described to facilitate drug delivery in cancer, which is important for optimizing the effect of drugs and reducing toxic side effects. Nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in cancer enable combination of diagnostics and therapeutics and act as adjuncts to hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy. Several applications of nanobiotechnology in cancer surgery include use of nanoparticles to visualize tumor during surgery as aid to proper removal, and nanorobotics for remotely controlled diagnostics combined with therapeutics. Selected new developments in nanooncology have been highlighted in this review and these point to an important role in development of personalized oncology.