Nanomedicine and Applications in Cancer

Nanomedicine represents a paradigm shift in cancer therapeutics, offering targeted drug delivery, reduced systemic toxicity, and enhanced efficacy. This book provides a detailed and systematic overview of nanomedicine formulations and their diverse applications across the cancer treatment landscape.

Beginning with fundamental principles of nanoparticle synthesis, characterization, and application in medicine, the text progresses to explore key nanoparticle platforms. Polymer-based nanoparticles are examined with respect to material properties, production methodologies, and their role in developing tailored cancer therapies. A dedicated section addresses lipid-based nanoparticles, focusing on the complexities of biological delivery, clinical successes, and essential considerations for stability and storage. Self-generating nanoemulsions (SGNEs) are introduced as a strategy to enhance drug bioavailability and overcome resistance, with attention given to regulatory pathways for clinical translation.

This book further elucidates site-specific drug delivery, detailing passive and active targeting mechanisms through various ligands. Diagnostic applications of nanomedicine are also presented, with a focus on fluorescent nanoparticles, their characterization, biomedical uses, clinical trial status, and limitations in comparison to alternative diagnostic modalities.

Critical areas such as cancer immunotherapy, including preventive and therapeutic vaccines and oncolytic viruses, and the burgeoning field of RNA-based therapeutics, highlighting the role of nanotechnology in their stabilization and targeted delivery, are thoroughly discussed. The text culminates with an overview of CAR-T cell therapy, associated challenges, innovative engineering strategies like CRISPR/Cas9, nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery, and relevant clinical advancements. Finally, this book addresses the multifaceted hurdles hindering the clinical translation of cancer-targeting nanomedicines, proposing potential solutions and design considerations to optimize clinical outcomes.

Key Features

• In-Depth Coverage of Nanomedicine in Oncology: A comprehensive guide covering fundamental principles to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cancer care.
• Focus on Targeted Drug Delivery and Imaging: Highlights nanoparticle formulations (polymer, lipid, nano-emulsions) for precise drug delivery and advanced imaging techniques for early diagnosis.
• Exploration of Cutting-Edge Therapeutic Modalities: Covers breakthroughs in nanoparticle-enhanced immunotherapy, RNA therapeutics, and nanotechnology's role in CAR-T cell therapy.
• Clinical Translation Focus: Bridges research and clinical application, addressing challenges and opportunities in bringing nanomedicines to patients.

Professor Imran Saleem is a distinguished Professor of Nanomedicine and leads the Nanomedicine, Formulation and Delivery Research Group within the School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. He obtained his Pharmacy degree and registration as a practicing pharmacist from the same institution before earning a Ph.D. in drug delivery from Aston University, UK, in 2004.

Following his doctoral studies, Professor Saleem pursued a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of New Mexico, USA, where his research focused on dry powder inhalation for targeted delivery of anticancer agents in lung cancer. His interdisciplinary research integrates formulation science, drug delivery, nanotechnology, polymer science, chemistry, and cell and molecular biology.

Professor Saleem's current research centers on the application and fundamental understanding of novel nanocarrier systems designed to overcome biological barriers for the targeted delivery of diverse therapeutic agents, including small molecules and macromolecules, for both human and veterinary applications.

With over two decades of experience in nanoparticle formulation and drug delivery systems, Professor Saleem is a prominent figure in the field, evidenced by numerous publications in leading peer-reviewed journals, presentations at international conferences, and contributions to book chapters. His leadership continues to drive innovation in nanomedicine and drug delivery, with the potential for significant impact on therapeutic outcomes.

Professor Dr. Ahmed AH Abdellatif is a Professor at the College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, with over two decades of research and teaching experience in pharmaceutical technology and drug delivery systems. He commenced his academic journey in Egypt, earning his Bachelor's and Master of Science degrees from Al-Azhar University, where he also served as a lecturer and professor. Registered as a pharmacist with the Egyptian Ministry of Health since 2001, Professor Abdellatif pursued his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Regensburg, Germany, gaining expertise in drug formulation and delivery at the Institute of Chemistry and Pharmacy.

Professor Abdellatif is a leading researcher in nanobiotechnology, specializing in the synthesis and characterization of metal and polymeric nanoparticles and their applications in cell biology and biotechnology. His prolific research output includes over 100 publications, reflecting his comprehensive understanding of modern advancements in drug formulation, nanobiotechnology, and receptor targeting. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of nanoparticle-based therapeutics for combating cancer and infectious diseases, with the potential to improve patient care globally.

Professor Dr. Ahmed AH Abdellatif's leadership in pharmaceutics, combining a strong educational foundation with practical research applications, continues to make a significant impact both within Saudi Arabia and internationally, driving advancements in pharmaceutical technology.