Anticancer Nanotherapeutics in Clinical Trials: The Work behind Clinical Translation of Nanomedicine

Abstract

The ultimate goal of nanomedicine has always been the generation of translational technologies that can ameliorate current therapies. Cancer disease represented the primary target of nanotechnology applied to medicine, since its clinical management is characterized by very toxic therapeutics. In this effort, nanomedicine showed the potential to improve the targeting of different drugs by improving their pharmacokinetics properties and to provide the means to generate new concept of treatments based on physical treatments and biologics. In this review, we considered different platforms that reached the clinical trial investigation, providing an objective analysis about their physical and chemical properties and the working mechanism at the basis of their tumoritr opic properties. With this review, we aim to help other scientists in the field in conceiving their delivering platforms for clinical translation by providing solid examples of technologies that eventually were tested and sometimes approved for human therapy.

Nanomaterials as Theranostic Agents for Cancer Therapy

“…The polysiloxane nanoparticle labeled as GdNP “Activation and Guidance of Irradiation by X-ray”, known as AGuIX, encircles chelated gadolinium which demonstrates no toxicity in both preclinical investigations and early stage clinical trials involving humans, at a concentration prescribed by medical practitioners. The nanoparticles are also eliminated rapidly from the kidneys. − The combination of radiation dose and synergistic outcome of GdNPs has also been substantiated when combined with various other ionizing radiation forms, including γ-rays, X-rays, as well as charged particles. − …”

Recent Metal Nanotheranostics for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy: A Review

“…Being a toxic lanthanide heavy metal, free GdNPs are not used clinically; instead, it is used as an organic chelating agent compound. The GdNP "Activation and Guidance of Irradiation by X-ray," or AGuIX, is a polysiloxane nanoparticle with chelated gadolinium that exhibits no toxicity in preclinical and early-stage clinical studies in humans at medically used concentrations and is eliminated rapidly via the kidneys [46][47][48]. The radiation dose enhancement and synergistic effects of GdNPs have also been proven in combination with other ionizing radiation types, such as γ-rays, X-rays, and charged particles [49][50][51].…”

A Journey of Challenges and Victories: A Bibliometric Worldview of Nanomedicine since the 21st Century

“…However, it is important to note that only a very small fraction of studies ultimately address the challenges at hand, and many nanomedicines might never progress beyond the preclinical stage or reach clinical trials. [12,13] Consequently, it is crucial to conduct a thorough exploration and scrutiny of scientific publications in the field of nanomedicine, with the aim of enhancing our understanding of the current scientific foundation. While there have been numerous reviews on the advances, challenges, and commercialization efforts in nanomedicine, these reviews often lack objective visualized data support and rely heavily on researchers' subjective understanding of the disciplinary framework.…”

“…However, it is important to note that only a very small fraction of studies ultimately address the challenges at hand, and many nanomedicines might never progress beyond the preclinical stage or reach clinical trials. [ 12,13 ]…”