title: Last Advances in Nanocarriers-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Colorectal Cancer.
abstract: Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in both, men and women. The development of metastasis is very frequent, especially in patients with advanced stage, who require intensive chemotherapy that often results in poor response and significant morbidity. The undesirable effects of intensive chemotherapy on normal cells and the development of multidrug resistance are two of the main causes of treatment failure. Recent advances in nanotechnology allow to target cancer cells using cytotoxic drugs without affecting normal cells. Nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, among others, are able to improve drug distribution and bioavailability, cytotoxic concentration in the tumor mass and drug delivery to tumor tissue and, at the same time, reduce side effects. Current research studies are being conducted to develop new biomaterials that improve the characteristics of these nanomolecules. Several preclinical assays have disclosed the efficacy of nanotherapy in colon cancer, although further clinical trials will be necessary to demonstrate its efficacy. This review discusses the current status and the potential advantages of using nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems for colorectal cancer.
authors.forename: Ana R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Rama
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jimenez-Lopez
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cabeza
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jimenez-Luna
authors.forename: Maria C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Leiva
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Perazzoli
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hernandez
authors.forename: Inmaculada
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Zafra
authors.forename: Raul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ortiz
authors.forename: Consolacion
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Melguizo
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), Department of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain. jcprados@ugr.es.
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prados
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes; D050997:Nanomedicine; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon