Nanotechnology in Cancer Treatment

Nanotechnology can provide rapid and sensitive detection of cancer-related molecules, enabling scientists to detect molecular changes even when they occur only in a small percentage of cells. Nanotechnology is enabling the visualization of molecular markers that identify specific stages and cancer cell death induced by therapy, allowing doctors to see cells and molecules undetectable through conventional imaging.

Nanotechnology also has the potential to generate entirely novel and highly effective therapeutic agents. Treatments, such as the development of nanoscale drug delivery, can ensure precise cancerous tissue targeting with minimal side effects. It offers the means to target therapies directly and selectively to cancerous cells and neoplasms. Due to its biological nature, nanomaterials can easily cross cell barriers. In theory, it should cause fewer side effects than current treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. With these tools, clinicians can safely and effectively deliver chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and the next generation of immuno- and gene therapies to the tumor.