Table 3 The key challenges and potential solutions associated with using nanomaterials in cancer therapy
Challenge | Description | Potential solutions | References |
|---|---|---|---|
Biocompatibility and Toxicity | Nanomaterials may induce adverse effects or toxicity in healthy tissues | Develop biocompatible coatings and surface modifications Conduct thorough in vivo and in vitro testing | [161] |
Targeted delivery | Achieving precise delivery of nanomaterials to tumor cells while avoiding healthy tissues is challenging | Utilize targeted ligands (e.g., antibodies, peptides) to improve specificity Employ stimuli-responsive materials | |
Drug resistance | Tumors may develop resistance to the therapeutic agents delivered by nanomaterials | Design multi-drug delivery systems to overcome resistance Incorporate combination therapies | |
Scale-Up and Manufacturing | Scaling up production from laboratory to clinical-grade materials can be complex and costly | Optimize synthesis and purification processes Develop standardized protocols for large-scale production | |
Regulatory and safety Issues | Navigating the regulatory landscape and ensuring safety for clinical use can be difficult | Adhere to regulatory guidelines and conduct extensive safety evaluations Engage with regulatory agencies early in the development process | |
Stability and shelf-life | Nanomaterials may have limited stability and short shelf-life, impacting their effectiveness and usability | Develop stable formulations and storage conditions Implement encapsulation techniques to enhance stability | |
Biological clearance and accumulation | Nanomaterials can accumulate in non-target organs, leading to potential toxicity | Engineer nanoparticles for controlled release and enhanced clearance Use biodegradable materials to minimize accumulation | |
Cost of production | The cost of developing and producing nanomaterials can be high | Explore cost-effective production methods Collaborate with industry partners to share costs and resources | |
Ethical and social implications | There may be concerns about the ethical use and societal impact of advanced nanotechnologies in medicine | Engage in public dialogue and address ethical considerations Ensure transparency in research and development processes | [175] |
Limited clinical success | Some nanomaterial-based therapies may not show expected clinical outcomes | Conduct robust clinical trials and longitudinal studies Refine nanomaterial designs based on clinical feedback | [176] |