Table 2 Role of nanocrystals in tumor targeting, along with their description, applications, and unique characteristics
From: Nanocrystals: an emerging paradigm for cancer therapeutics
Role | Description | Applications |
|---|---|---|
Passive targeting | Facilitated by the enhanced permeability and retention effect | Imaging and Drug delivery |
Active targeting | Surface modified with ligands or targeting molecules that specifically recognize biomarkers found in tumors | Targeted delivery to tumor cells that express specific biomarkers Facilitates precise imaging |
Antibody-mediated targeting | Conjugation with antibodies that bind to tumor-specific antigens | Precise delivery and accurate imaging with great selectivity |
Surface receptor-mediated | NCs are designed to specifically identify and attach to surface receptors on tumor cells | Facilitates precise receptor targeted drug delivery |