ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book highlights the importance of tumor neovasculature in cancer nanotechnology. It discusses the varied nature of nanovectors that is illustrated by such novel classes of nanocarriers as DQAsomes, which are mitochondrial-targeted nanovectors capable of delivery of anti-cancer drugs as well as carriers of gene therapy directed against the organelle. The book describes the most cutting-edge approaches in nanotechnology that are focused on overcoming the multiple barriers that have, in the past, blocked the successful treatment and ultimate eradication of human cancers. The continued development and ultimate success of nanotechnology-based strategies for cancer therapeutics, imaging, and tracking patient therapeutic response will be dependent upon a number of parameters. The mutability of nanotechnology platforms has allowed their rapid introduction into the field of basic cancer biology and the specialty of oncology.
