Nanoparticle and targeted systems for cancer therapy

This review explores recent work directed towards more targeted treatment of cancer, whether through more specific anticancer agents or through methods of delivery. These areas include delivery by avoiding the reticuloendothelial system, utilizing the enhanced permeability and retention effect and tumor-specific targeting. Treatment opportunities using antibody-targeted therapies are summarized. The ability to treat cancer by targeting delivery through angiogenesis is also discussed and antiangiogenic drugs in clinical trials are presented. Delivery methods that specifically use nanoparticles are also highlighted, including both degradable and nondegradable polymers. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.