Advances in Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy: Nanotechnology to Clinical Translation

Abstract

The treatment of cancer remains a significant challenge due to the limitations of conventional chemotherapeutics, including systemic toxicity, poor tumor specificity, and multidrug resistance. Targeted drug delivery systems have emerged as a transformative approach to improve the efficacy and safety of cancer therapy by selectively delivering therapeutic agents to tumor sites. Among these, nanotechnology-based carriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and micelles have demonstrated promising results in both preclinical and clinical settings. These nanocarriers enhance drug solubility, stability, and circulation time, and can be engineered for passive or active tumor targeting through surface modifications with ligands such as antibodies, peptides, and aptamers. Furthermore, stimuli-responsive systems that release drugs in response to tumor-specific triggers offer an added layer of precision. Several nanoformulations have been approved for clinical use, including Doxil and Abraxane, while others are progressing through clinical trials. Despite significant advancements, challenges such as large-scale manufacturing, regulatory hurdles, and long-term safety concerns continue to limit widespread clinical adoption. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in targeted drug delivery systems for cancer, focusing on nanotechnology-enabled strategies and their journey toward clinical translation