Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Oral Cancer – An Updated Review

Abstract

Over the last ten years, nanomaterials (NMs) have been employed in the detection and therapy of head and neck cancers (HNCs). Given the tendency of HNCs to invade nearby tissues and create distant metastases, a significant number of HNC patients are typically diagnosed in advanced stages, resulting in unfavorable prognoses. Nanomaterials, owing to their ability to transport a diverse range of agents such as imaging substances, drugs, genes, vaccines, radiosensitizers, and photosensitizers, play a pivotal role in advancing innovative technologies for diagnosing and treating HNCs. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising systems for targeted and regulated release of drugs. These NPs can accommodate various drugs, facilitating precision in drug delivery. The utilization of nanomaterials (NMs) has been documented to enhance the efficacy of drug delivery, ultimately improving the outlook for individuals with head and neck cancers (HNCs). This improvement is attributed to the NMs' ability to enable targeted delivery, controlled release, responsiveness to stimuli, and the conveyance of multiple agents. This review explores the state of the art progress in Nanoparticle technology, aiming to enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HNC patients, while also considering potential avenues for future research.