title: Nanomedicine and its applications to the treatment of prostate cancer.
abstract: In recent years, nanotechnology has been the focus of considerable attention in medicine due to the facility with which nanostructures interact with the body at the molecular scale. New therapies in cancer research using nanomedicine are being developed in order to improve the specificity and efficacy of drug delivery, thus reaching maximal effectiveness with minimal side effects. This literature review presents cases of prostate cancer in antiquity as well as the first modern reports before discussing how nanotechnology can contribute to the management of this disease. Three major nanoparticle-based platforms are described: liposomal, polymeric and metallic. Published results, including therapies in current clinical trials, are discussed. In addition, several formulations of microparticles containing LH-RH analogues approved by the authorities are listed in this document. A critical analysis of the health and environmental impact is made to highlight the need for precise control of the utilization of nanomaterials.
authors.affiliation: Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro-UERJ, Instituto de Química, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524-Pavilhão Reitor Haroldo Lisboa da Cunha Sala 310, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Institut Galien Paris-Sud, UMR CNRS 8612, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Sud XI, 5, rue J.-B.-Clément, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ouvinha de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro-UERJ, Instituto de Química, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524-Pavilhão Reitor Haroldo Lisboa da Cunha Sala 310, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: de Santa Maria
authors.affiliation: Institut Galien Paris-Sud, UMR CNRS 8612, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Sud XI, 5, rue J.-B.-Clément, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France. Electronic address: gillian.barratt@u-psud.fr.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barratt
mesh_terms: D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000639:trends*; D053758:Nanoparticles; D049329:Nanostructures; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
keywords: Cancer de la prostate; Ciblage; Drug targeting; Nanomaterials; Nanomatériaux; Nanomedicine; Nanomédecine; Prostate cancer