title: Toxicological considerations when creating nanoparticle-based drugs and drug delivery systems.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The biggest challenge faced by the scientific community involved in drug development is to deliver safe and effective dosage of drugs without causing systemic toxicity. Therefore, novel nano-based delivery vehicles specifically targeting tumors but not normal tissues are urgently needed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nanoparticles have beneficial aspects but can be toxic themselves, which is always a concern for any drug or delivery agent. This review examines and details the toxicological aspects that should be considered when planning to use nanoparticles in animals or in man for drug delivery or imaging. Subjects discussed in this review include i) overviews of applications of various nanoparticles for drug delivery and imaging; ii) toxicological aspects to consider when selecting particular nanoparticles for use in various applications in animals or man; iii) hurdles faced when examining nanoparticle toxicity; and iv) current approaches for assessing nanoparticle toxicity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nanotechnology has significant potential for advancing therapeutic efficacy and imaging in cancer; however, these agents can be toxic. Therefore, toxicity needs to be considered when selecting nanoparticles for a particular application. Methods for assessing nanoparticle toxicity need to be improved and standardized across all nanotechnology platforms in order to speed up the application of nanoparticle use in humans.
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, R130, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
authors.forename: Arati
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: SubbaRao V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Madhunapantula
authors.forename: Gavin P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Robertson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
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