Smart Nanocarriers in Targeted Cancer Therapy: Current Progress and Future Directions

Abstract

Cancer continues to be a major global health challenge due to complications such as metastasis, multidrug resistance, and ineffective site-specific drug delivery. Traditional treatment modalities, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, often lack selectivity and result in significant damage to healthy tissues. Nanomedicine has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations by enhancing both diagnosis and treatment. Various nanocarriers—such as liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots—offer advantages including nanoscale size, high drug-loading efficiency, and tumortargeting capability. Both naturally derived and synthetic nanocarriers are under extensive investigation. Natural systems like exosomes provide superior biocompatibility, while synthetic carriers allow controlled drug release and structural adaptability. Advanced systems such as biomimetic nanoparticles improve immune evasion and prolong circulation time. Additionally, carrier-free nanodrugs provide higher drug content with reduced toxicity. Overall, smart nanocarriers significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes while minimizing adverse effects, highlighting their importance in modern cancer therapy.