A recent report by Towards Healthcare states – that the global nanomedicine market was valued at US$219.34 billion (last quarter of 2023), and is supposed to hit a record-breaking US$562.93 billion by 2032. The CAGR is supposed to stay at a massive 10% as per the current trends.
For those who are yet unversed, nanomedicine promises not just a precise drug delivery system, but also a meticulous imaging technique. In fact, if we take its latest reports at hand – this medicinal format can both target and treat diseases at a cellular level.
In this post, we will give you some explicit info on the advent of nanomedicine and how it is emerging as a respite to enhance cancer imaging. Let us give you a glimpse of it –
Table of Contents
Nanomedicine – where did it all begin?
As you are aware, nanomedicine is the medical format to apply nanotechnology. It includes a wide variety of medical usage of nanoparticles as well as biological devices and sensors. When talking about the history of nanomedicine, one needs to go back to the first type approved after multiple research by the FDA, back in 1995. It was termed as – Doxil (market name) to treat a specific variety of cancer.
Since then, further research has been carried out. In today’s time, the role of magnetic nanoparticles in the domain of cancer treatment has increased multifold.
Let us take a look at that –
Cancer rates are on the rise
According to the last data obtained, in 2022, there were about 1.92 million cancer patients in the USA. Further data stated – that globally 9.6 million lives were lost! Considering that – how and what is nanomedicine used for when it comes to dealing with cancer?
- It has improved the targeted drug delivery format when it comes to dealing with cancers.
- With time, the drug delivery and diagnostic modules are increasing supremely.
- Newer MNPs are being developed, to reduce toxicity levels and minimize the associated health issues.
Assuming you have been reading till here, you have got clarity about the basics of nanoscience, and how its role has expanded in dealing with cancerous tumors. Let us now give you an insight into the specifics of this treatment, and showcase its role in cancer visualization.
How nanomedicine can assist in cancer imaging?
For better clarity about the role of nanomedicine in treating cancer, you will have to comprehend – how magnetic nanoparticles for cancer imaging are gaining ground. Exploring the specifics right here –
Magnetic nanoparticles are segments of NPs, that are either curated from unalloyed metals (Ni, Fe, Co, or rare metals) or a combo of polymers with metals. Its immense potential in this field has increased due to its capacity to manipulate magnetically from an external domain. So, when applying to a specified target, a biocompatible coating can be given to it, for amplifying efficiency.
In this manner –
- The image contrast of chosen tissues can be improved.
- MNPs can be localized and coated with ligands (high affinity) to enhance their functional rate.
- With hyperthermia emerging as a massive challenge in treating cancer, these MNPs are a sure-shot hit!
- MNPs have also come forth as a solution – for altering the pharmacokinetics of drugs as well as increasing the release time of those targeted drugs.
- What’s more interesting is – the nanocrystalline portions used for cushioning, can be amplified by changing the ligands.
- Lastly, MNPs have become increasingly influential in the case of biosensor usage.
MNPs that are used in cancer therapy
The usage of magnetic nanoparticles has presented an immediate alternative when talking about the sphere of cancer treatment with regard to nano-theranostic particles. It facilitates both early detection and selective dissolution of cancer cells.
Let us now give you an idea about how MNPs can be employed in the diagnosis –
| NANOPARTICLE | DRUG USED | APPLICATION |
| Composite Polymeric | Curcumin | Thermal responsiveness for hyperthermia and target-based drug release |
| Polyblock – co-polymer micelles packed with iron oxide | Doxorubicin | Both temporal and spatial drug release
Targeted hypothermia |
| Base: Iron oxide
Coating of – PEG/PEI/Chitosan |
Apurinic | Specialized drug delivery for cells in case of brain cancer |
| Coating of Chitosan – with base of Iron Oxide | Temozolomide | For direct drug delivery in case of brain cancer |
These are some of the proven methods by which magnetic nanoparticles in cancer have eased the treatment process.
Parting thoughts
If you have been reading this post well, you have already understood how nanomedicine has revolutionized drug delivery systems. With that in tow, it is no secret that the nanomedicine landscape will get competitive, and innovative. Given that it has proven records in Alzheimer’s treatment, these newly introduced magnetic nanoparticles in cancer imaging will be more used. This dynamic arena with its regulatory compliances and collabs only has better opportunities and remedies for one and all.
If you are still a little left out in this nanomedicine game, you can follow this website to get the latest news.
