Polymeric nanomedicine for cancer therapy

Jae Hyung Park, Seulki Lee, Jong Ho Kim, Kyeongsoon Park, Kwangmeyung Kim, Ick Chan Kwon

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

461 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Nanomedicine, an offshoot of nanotechnology, refers to highly specific, molecular-scale medical intervention for treating disease or repairing damaged tissues. In recent years, polymer-based nanomedicine, a field that includes the use of polymer-DNA complexes (polyplexes), polymer-drug conjugates, and polymer micelles bearing hydrophobic drugs, has received increasing attention for its ability to improve the efficacy of cancer therapeutics. Owing to their small size and excellent biocompatibility, nanosized polymer therapeutic agents can circulate in the bloodstream for long periods of time, allowing them to reach the target site. In addition, chemical modification of polymer therapeutic agents with ligands capable of specifically binding receptors that are over-expressed in cancer cells can markedly augment therapeutic efficiency. This review highlights the characteristics of cancer that provide nanodrug targeting opportunities and discusses rational approaches for future development of polymeric nanomedicines.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)113-137
Number of pages25
JournalProgress in Polymer Science (Oxford)
Volume33
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008 Jan
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Angiogenesis
  • Cancer therapy
  • Drug carrier
  • Polymeric nanomedicine
  • Targeted delivery

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

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