Review: Application of Nanoparticles in Urothelial Cancer of the Urinary Bladder.
Bladder cancer is a common malignancy of the urinary tract, which generally develops in the epithelial lining of the urinary bladder. The specific course of treatment depends on the stage of bladder cancer; however, therapeutic strategies typically involve intravesical drug delivery to reduce toxicity and increase therapeutic effects. Recently, metallic, polymeric, lipid, and protein nanoparticles have been introduced to aid in the treatment of bladder cancer. Nanoparticles are also commonly used as pharmaceutical carriers to improve interactions between drugs and the urothelium. In this review, we classify the characteristics of bladder cancer and discuss the types of nanoparticles used in various treatment modalities. Finally we summarize the potential applications and benefits of various nanoparticles in intravesical therapy.
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 701 Taiwan ; Department of Urology, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, 123 Sin-Der Road, Beigang, 651 Yunlin Taiwan.
Chieh-Hsiao
CH
Chen
Department of Medical Education and Research, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, 123 Sin-Der Road, Beigang, 651 Yunlin Taiwan.
Tzu-Min
TM
Chan
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 701 Taiwan.
Yi-Jhen
YJ
Wu
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 701 Taiwan.
Jia-Jin
JJ
Chen
Drug delivery; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Photothermal Therapy; Urothelial cancer