ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the translational challenges related to the clinical application of nanoparticles. In terms of clinical applications, nanoparticles are being presented for chemotherapeutic drug delivery for the treatment of aggressive brain tumours and their advantages on the management of diseases with poor prognosis, such as central nervous system (CNS) tumours, are consensual. Basic research is crucial to understand the principles and mechanisms of biological processes and to characterise the impact of novel therapeutic strategies on the human body. The success of the translation of knowledge from laboratories to clinical practice, with the aim of improving the health of populations, depends on solid and continuous communication between academia and industry. The limitations associated with the current treatment options for many progressive and fatal disorders, such as malignant neoplasms, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, lead to an urgent need to develop new drugs and technological tools which can truly provide adequate support to these patients.
