Polymeric Nanocarriers in Cancer Treatment

The regulated distribution of cancer drugs is significantly aided by polymeric nanocarriers. Polymeric nanocarriers, often referred to as polymeric nanomedicine, are capable of conjugating or encasing anticancer drugs. Though few drug delivery methods have been able to satisfy therapeutic demands thus far, polymeric nanomedicine has demonstrated its potential to provide prolonged drug release with reduced cytotoxicity and changed tumor retention. Therefore, further work must be done in this area. Over the last few years, polymeric nanocarriers have become a viable and biocompatible method of selectively delivering therapeutic compounds to tumor sites. A number of these nanocarriers have already received approval for clinical use, and more are undergoing clinical trials, indicating their potential for use in cancer therapy. The chapter initially introduces and summarizes the idea of polymeric nanocarriers, followed by the design of the structure and the preparation techniques. In addition, a summary and discussion of the uses of polymeric nanocarriers that passively transfer payloads to tumor tissues through enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effects and characteristics that may affect this process have been included. Furthermore, by interacting with cancer cell-specific receptors via targeting moieties on their surface, polymeric nanocarriers may be able to actively target tumor tissues. A variety of targeting ligands may be employed in this regard. Moreover, polymeric nanocarriers have been functionalized to release drugs that have been encapsulated at precise locations or intervals that are regulated by environmental stimuli including pH, temperature, and enzyme levels. Lastly, a description of the use of polymeric nanocarriers for the detection and treatment of primary and metastatic cancer is given. Much more potent polymeric nanocarriers would be produced for cancer therapy as chemistry, biology, oncology, and contemporary technology advance. Polymeric nanocarriers have shown effectiveness in the field of cancer diagnostics and treatment. This book will provide an updated, comprehensive resource of information on different cancers and their treatment by involving different polymeric nanocarriers. We believe that this book will be of value to clinicians, biochemists, public health authorities, medical laboratory sciences technologists, biotechnologists, pharmaceutical and medical students, and fellows in training.