Nanomedicine in Oncology: A Critical Review on Epidemiology, Health Impacts, Challenges, and Future Outlook

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading public health issue globally due to its increasing morbidity rate, with cancer cases predicted to double over the next 20 years. While current conventional treatments are the primary go-to in treating cancers, they still present ineffective due to adverse side effects, poor targeting, and drug resistance. In recent years, nanomedicines have emerged as a better alternative for cancer treatment in maximizing drug delivery, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy through passive and active mechanisms. Despite having high potential, the poor clinical translations and recent fund retractions have led to limited progress in cancer nanomedicine. Thus, this review aims to review and identify the role of nanomedicine in oncology by analyzing the involved epidemiological populations, potential health impacts, possible outcomes, and current challenges in terms of economic, environmental, and ethical aspects. Further outlooks in improving nanomedicine therapeutic efficacy are also discussed, including switching approaches to nanomedicine development, modifying current regulatory guidelines, and providing training programs.