Cancer Nanotherapeutics Administered by Non-conventional Routes

Abstract

Nanoparticle drug formulations (NDFs) allow for local and durable release of cancer therapeutics, and hold tremendous promise for advancing the efficacy of cancer treatment strategies. NDFs can be administered to patients via a variety of routes, the most common of which is intravenous injection. Unfortunately, the systemic nature of this approach can result in off-target toxicity. Furthermore, many cancers cannot be accessed by intravenous administration. Consequently, recent efforts have applied anatomical targeting strategies to deliver NDFs directly to cancerous lesions. These non-conventional routes of administration can increase the bioavailability of therapeutics while reducing off-target side effects. Importantly, the considerations that underlie NDF design for each anatomical targeting strategy are unique due to obstacles specific to different organs and delivery devices. Clinical trials reporting upon non-conventional administration of NDFs and preclinical studies investigating novel administration techniques are very encouraging. This chapter will discuss the current state and practice of cancer treatment approaches utilizing non-conventional NDF administration.