Targeted treatment of cancer with nanotherapeutics based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Abstract

(Figure Presented) The properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) (biocompatibility, surface area, particle diameter, mesoporous structure, and ease of functionalization) are reviewed regarding their benefits for the construction of cancer-targeting drug delivery systems, with an overview of literature reports within this research area. Intrinsic properties characteristic of tumor tissues (enhanced permeability and retention effect, overexpressed receptors, and acidic extracellular pH) are further discussed which can be utilized for cancer targeting. Recent literature reports are also accounted concerning MSN-based cancer targeting that takes advantage of characteristics of the tumor environment and also nanotherapeutics capable of stimulus (acidification, exposure to light irradiation, magnetic field) responsive drug delivery. Finally, gene therapy approaches for cancer treatment and MSN-based gene delivery vectors are reviewed. The research on mesoporous silicates possesses great potential for the development of complex multipurpose nanotherapeutics for simultaneous application in effective targeted treatment and imaging of cancer tissues.