Nanotechnology in Cancer Therapy

Antonio Di Martino

What is it Cancer?

Is one of the leading cause of death worldwide

Is represented by an uncontrolled cells growth

Involve many physiological pathways

Which are current cancer therapies?

Surgery Radiotherapy Chemotherapy

High efficiencyLow selectivityLow therapeutic Index

Nanotechnology in Cancer Therapy

Nanotechnology = manipulation of matter on atomic, molecular and supramolecular scale

Nanomedicine = application of nanotechnology in therapeutic and diagnostic

Drug Delivery System

Nanoparticles

Nanoliposomes Polymerics NanoshellsQuantum Dots

Metallic nanoparticles

More flexible Size Shape Structure Composition Encapsulation

Golden Nanoparticles (AuNPs)

Great chance in cancer therapy

Tunable properties

Easy to prepare

Surface modification

High encapsulation efficiency

Application of Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery

AuNPs in Cancer Therapy : Applications

Photothermal therapy

Radiotherapy

Angiogenesis Inhibition

Optical propertiesAbsorption in NUV and NIR

High accumulation Index

Chemical modification of protein involved

Conclusions Cancer is a complex disease

Different molecular pathway are involved

Nanomedicine represents a new concept of therapy

Reduction of side effects

High specificity

Improve the quality of life

Still lack of knowledge about toxicity over time