Magnetic nanocarriers: Emerging tool for the effective targeted treatment of lung cancer

Abstract

Lung cancer is the second most prevailing cancer in men and women and is so far the top reason for cancer death across the world. The treatment approach for lung cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Among these, chemotherapy is the most preferred treatment for the advanced stage of lung cancer. However the major drawback of chemotherapy treatment, which is the non-specificity of the drugs, ultimately destroys both cancerous and normal tissues. However, Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) are highly preferred as an alternatives because drugs selectively deliver to the specified area. It damages only the cancer cells, having specific physical properties and the capacity to function at the cellular as well as the molecular level of the biological interactions. The inherent magnetic property of these Nano scaled materials used as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The advancement in magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) technology helped to overcome many difficulties in the treatment of lung cancer. This review, is focused on the advanced and effective treatment methods for lung cancer using surface coated MNPs, such as polymer based MNPs, Super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONPS), Magnetic Hyperthermia, MNP conjugation with DNA & RNA and its toxicity on normal organs and cells were also discussed.