ABSTRACT
Bioconjugates comprising nanoparticles and aptamers represent a potentially powerful tool for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for cancer detection and treatment. As drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapy, nanoparticle–aptamer bioconjugates can be designed to target and be taken up by cancer cells for targeted delivery and controlled release of chemotherapeutic drugs over an extended time directly at the site of tumors. The targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer therapy may minimize their side effects and enhance their cytotoxicity to cancer cells, resulting in a better clinical outcome. Antibodies and peptides have been widely used for the targeted delivery of drug encapsulated nanoparticles; however, the translation of drug delivery vehicles into clinical practice has lagged behind advances in the laboratory. Cancer targeting may be achieved passively by continuously concentrating drug encapsulated nanoparticles in the tumor interstitial space due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect.
