title: Multifunctional nanoparticles: cost versus benefit of adding targeting and imaging capabilities.
abstract: Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been developed to improve the efficacy and reduce the systemic toxicity of a wide range of drugs. Although clinically approved nanoparticles have consistently shown value in reducing drug toxicity, their use has not always translated into improved clinical outcomes. This has led to the development of "multifunctional" nanoparticles, where additional capabilities like targeting and image contrast enhancement are added to the nanoparticles. However, additional functionality means additional synthetic steps and costs, more convoluted behavior and effects in vivo, and also greater regulatory hurdles. The trade-off between additional functionality and complexity is the subject of ongoing debate and the focus of this Review.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 240 Skirkanich Hall, 210 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Zhiliang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Ajlan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al Zaki
authors.forename: James Z
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: Hui
authors.forename: Vladimir R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Muzykantov
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tsourkas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000191:economics*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D057900:Transcytosis
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor