title: Convergence of nanotechnology and cancer prevention: are we there yet?
abstract: Nanotechnology is emerging as a promising modality for cancer treatment; however, in the realm of cancer prevention, its full utility has yet to be determined. Here, we discuss the potential of integrating nanotechnology in cancer prevention to augment early diagnosis, precision targeting, and controlled release of chemopreventive agents, reduced toxicity, risk/response assessment, and personalized point-of-care monitoring. Cancer is a multistep, progressive disease; the functional and acquired characteristics of the early precancer phenotype are intrinsically different from those of a more advanced anaplastic or invasive malignancy. Therefore, applying nanotechnology to precancers is likely to be far more challenging than applying it to established disease. Frank cancers are more readily identifiable through imaging and biomarker and histopathologic assessment than their precancerous precursors. In addition, prevention subjects routinely have more rigorous intervention criteria than therapy subjects. Any nanopreventive agent developed to prevent sporadic cancers found in the general population must exhibit a very low risk of serious side effects. In contrast, a greater risk of side effects might be more acceptable in subjects at high risk for cancer. Using nanotechnology to prevent cancer is an aspirational goal, but clearly identifying the intermediate objectives and potential barriers is an essential first step in this exciting journey.
authors: Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
authors: David G
authors: DG
authors: Menter
authors: Division of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
authors: Sherri L
authors: SL
authors: Patterson
authors: Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
authors: Craig D
authors: CD
authors: Logsdon
authors: Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
authors: Scott
authors: S
authors: Kopetz
authors: Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
authors: Anil K
authors: AK
authors: Sood
authors: Division of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. ehawk@mdanderson.org.
authors: Ernest T
authors: ET
authors: Hawk
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018890:Chemoprevention; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D010641:Phenotype; D034622:RNA Interference; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008081:Liposomes