INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF
PharmacoGenetics
Targeted Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Non-Surgical Management of Advanced Lung and Pancreatic Cancers: A Smart Drug Delivery Approach
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Mohamadamir kakaee ,1,*
1. shahid beheshti university of medical sciences
- Introduction: The inefficiencies of classical non-surgical methods for treating conditions such as lung and pancreatic cancers primarily stem from their limited targeting capabilities and the resultant systemic toxicity. Traditional therapies often lack specificity, leading to adverse effects on healthy tissues and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. This has created a pressing need for innovative treatment strategies that can enhance drug delivery while minimizing side effects (Chauhan, 2025), (Akhlaq, 2025). Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution to these challenges, particularly through the development of targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). These nanoparticles are engineered to deliver therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, thereby improving the efficacy of treatment and reducing collateral damage to healthy tissues. LNPs can encapsulate drugs, protect them from degradation, and facilitate controlled release, which enhances their bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness (Chandra, 2025), (Mair, 2023). Targeted lipid nanoparticles represent a significant advancement in drug delivery systems, offering several advantages over classical methods. They can be designed to actively target specific receptors on cancer cells, allowing for more precise treatment. This targeted approach not only improves the therapeutic index of the drugs but also holds the potential for combination therapies, which could further enhance treatment outcomes (Phalak, 2024), (Akhlaq, 2025). In summary, the integration of nanotechnology, particularly through targeted lipid nanoparticles, addresses the inefficiencies of classical non-surgical methods in treating lung and pancreatic cancers by enhancing drug delivery specificity and reducing side effects. Continued research in this area is expected to further improve patient outcomes and revolutionize cancer therapy (Kumar, 2023).
- Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SID databases to identify relevant studies on lipid-based targeted nanocarriers for non-surgical treatment of pancreatic and lung cancers. The search strategy included keywords such as “lipid nanoparticles,” “targeted drug delivery,” “pancreatic cancer,” “lung cancer,” and “non-surgical treatment,” combined using Boolean operators (AND/OR). Initial search results yielded 64 articles in PubMed and a total of 104 articles across all databases. After removal of duplicates and screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies were selected for full-text analysis. Inclusion criteria included: published in English between 2015 and 2024,focus on in vivo or clinical use of targeted lipid-based nanocarriers in lung or pancreatic cancer. Exclusion criteria included:studies unrelated to lipid-based delivery,non-English publications, and non-oncologic applications. Selected studies were assessed for relevance, methodology, and reported therapeutic outcomes.
- Results: The use of lipid-based targeted nanoparticles for the non-surgical management of advanced lung and pancreatic cancers has shown promising results in enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. These nanoparticles are designed to deliver drugs specifically to cancer cells, improving the precision of treatment. Targeted Delivery: Lipid nanoparticles can encapsulate chemotherapeutic agents and target them to specific cancer cells, which is particularly beneficial in advanced stages of lung and pancreatic cancers where traditional therapies often fail due to systemic toxicity and poor targeting. Improved Efficacy: Studies indicate that the incorporation of targeted lipid nanoparticles can lead to better drug absorption and retention in tumor tissues, which may enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment. This is crucial for pancreatic cancer, where the tumor microenvironment often limits drug penetration. Reduced Side Effects: By focusing the delivery of drugs directly to cancer cells, lipid-based nanoparticles can minimize the exposure of healthy tissues to toxic agents, thereby reducing side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy. Clinical Implications: The application of these advanced drug delivery systems is still under investigation, but preliminary results suggest that they could significantly improve the management of advanced lung and pancreatic cancers, potentially leading to better patient outcomes and quality of life. In summary, lipid-based targeted nanoparticles represent a novel approach in the non-surgical management of advanced lung and pancreatic cancers, with the potential to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Further clinical studies are needed to fully establish their benefits and optimize their use in cancer therapy.
- Conclusion: Lipid-based targeted nanoparticles (LBNPs) have emerged as a significant advancement in the non-surgical management of advanced lung and pancreatic cancers. Their application in cancer therapy presents both strengths and weaknesses. Strengths of Lipid-Based Targeted Nanoparticles Enhanced Targeting and Efficacy: LBNPs can be engineered to specifically target cancer cells, improving the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents directly to tumors. This targeted approach enhances the therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity, which is particularly beneficial in advanced stages of lung and pancreatic cancers. Improved Drug Solubility and Stability: Many chemotherapeutic agents are hydrophobic and poorly soluble in aqueous environments. LBNPs can encapsulate these drugs, improving their solubility and stability, which enhances their bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Reduced Side Effects: By delivering drugs specifically to cancer cells, LBNPs can significantly reduce the exposure of healthy tissues to toxic agents, thereby minimizing side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy. Potential for Combination Therapies: LBNPs can be designed to carry multiple therapeutic agents, allowing for combination therapies that can target different pathways in cancer cells, potentially overcoming drug resistance. Weaknesses of Lipid-Based Targeted Nanoparticles Manufacturing Complexity: The production of LBNPs can be complex and may involve sophisticated techniques that can affect scalability and reproducibility. This complexity can hinder their widespread clinical application. Biocompatibility and Safety Concerns: While LBNPs are generally considered biocompatible, there are still concerns regarding their long-term safety and potential toxicity. The interaction of nanoparticles with biological systems can lead to unforeseen side effects. Variable Clinical Outcomes: Despite promising preclinical results, the clinical outcomes of LBNPs can be variable. Factors such as patient-specific responses, tumor heterogeneity, and the complexity of cancer biology can influence the effectiveness of LBNPs in real-world settings. Regulatory Challenges: The approval process for new nanomedicines can be lengthy and complicated, which may delay their availability for clinical use. Regulatory bodies require extensive data on safety, efficacy, and manufacturing processes, which can be a barrier to rapid development. Conclusion Lipid-based targeted nanoparticles represent a promising strategy for the non-surgical management of advanced lung and pancreatic cancers, offering enhanced targeting, improved drug delivery, and reduced side effects. However, challenges related to manufacturing, biocompatibility, clinical variability, and regulatory hurdles must be addressed to fully realize their potential in clinical practice. Continued research and development in this field are essential to optimize their use and improve patient outcomes.
- Keywords: Lipid nanoparticles Targeted therapy
