Metallic nanoparticles: technology overview & drug delivery applications in oncology.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: The targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to tumour cells is a challenge because most of the chemotherapeutic agents distribute to the whole body, which results in general toxicity and poor acceptance by patients and sometimes discontinuation of the treatment. Metallic nanoparticles have been used for a huge number of applications in various areas of medical treatment. Metallic nanoparticles are emerging as new carrier and contrast agents in cancer treatment. These metallic nanoparticles have been used for imaging of tumour cells by means of active and passive targeting. Recent advances have opened the way to site-specific targeting and drug delivery by these nanoparticles. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: This review summarizes the mechanisms of passive and active targeted drug delivery by metallic nanoparticles and their potential use in cancer theranostics. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: The reader will gain information on the development of tumour cells, advantages of modern methods of cancer treatment over the traditional method, targeted delivery of anticancer agents using nanoparticles, influence of nanotechnology on the quality and expectancy of life, and challenges, implications and future prospects of metallic nanoparticles as probes in cancer treatment. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: The development of metallic nanoparticles is rapid and multidirectional, and the improved practical potential of metallic nanoparticle highlights their potency as new tools for future cancer therapeutics modalities.