Towards principled design of cancer nanomedicine to accelerate clinical translation

Nanotechnology in medical applications, especially in oncology as drug delivery systems, has recently shown promising results. However, although these advances have been promising in the pre-clinical stages, the clinical translation of this technology is challenging. To create drug delivery systems with increased treatment efficacy for clinical translation, the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles such as size, shape, elasticity (flexibility/ rigidity), surface chemistry, and surface charge can be specified to optimize efficiency for a given application. Consequently, interdisciplinary researchers have focused on producing biocompatible materials, production technologies, or new formulations for efficient loading, and high stability. The effects of design parameters can be studied in vitro, in vivo, or using computational models, with the goal of understanding how they affect nanoparticle biophysics and their interactions with cells. The present review summarizes the advances and technologies in the production and design of cancer nanomedicines to achieve clinical translation and commercialization. We also highlight existing challenges and opportunities in the field.

Automated summary

Nanotechnology has shown promising results in medical applications, particularly in oncology as drug delivery systems. However, the clinical translation of this technology is challenging. To optimize drug delivery systems for clinical translation, the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles can be specified. Researchers have focused on producing biocompatible materials, production technologies, or new formulations to improve efficiency and stability. The effects of design parameters can be studied using various methods. This review summarizes the advances and technologies in cancer nanomedicines for clinical translation and commercialization, as well as the existing challenges and opportunities in the field.