title: Functional nanoplatforms for enhancement of chemotherapeutic index.
abstract: Recently, the advancement of nanotechnology has had a significant impact on clinical therapeutics. Advances in biocompatible drug carriers using organic/inorganic nanoparticles have enabled safer and more efficient delivery of anti-cancer agents. In particular, nanoparticles designed and fabricated by sophisticated processes can (as drug carriers) deliver precise doses of multiple anti-cancer agents to target cancer cells, improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of cancer biology, chemo-resistance, cancer relapse, and metastasis is essential for successful development of combination therapy using nanoparticles. In this review, we discuss the species of functional nanoparticles for delivery of anti-cancer agents and their potential to improve chemotherapeutic indices via combination therapy. We also discuss novel therapeutic strategies using functional nanoparticles developed through multidisciplinary collaboration for combination chemotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea. jhcheong@yuhs.ac
authors.forename: Jaemoon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Eugene
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Minhee
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ku
authors.forename: Yong-Min
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Huh
authors.forename: Jae-Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Cheong
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012008:Recurrence