Nanoengineered approaches to improve the efficacy of targeted drug delivery for the treatment of malignancy: a comprehensive review

Abstract Background The second leading cause of mortality in the world, behind cardiovascular disorders, is cancer. The currently employed treatment options including radiotherapy, chemotherapy are reported with many adverse reactions. These limitations in combination with high cost of therapy have restricted the management of malignancy. In this review, several nanocarriers-based approaches were described as effective treatment option of malignancy. The main body of the abstract The development of innovative and effective targeted therapies for malignancy relies on alterations in the molecular biology of cancerous cells. Given the nonselective destruction of healthy cells, the harmful effects of existing chemotherapy drugs, and the development of multidrug resistance, has thrived the development of novel carriers for improved targeting efficacy of anticancer drugs. The present study offers a comprehensive account of diverse cytotoxic drug carriers, such as carbon nanotubes, liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, and polymeric conjugates, in the context of passive and active targeted cancer therapy. The carriers are known to enhance the permeability and retention or functionalize the surface, thereby improving the efficacy of drug delivery. Short conclusion The present literature delineates the progressions made in the nanoengineered approach for administering therapeutic agents to the tumour micro-environment. Graphical Abstract