NANOTECHNOLOGIES IN ONCOLOGY: FROM THEORY TO MOLECULAR VISUALIZATION AND GUIDED THERAPY

The paper reviews results of studies applying nanotechnologies as a means to treat malignancies. Nanotechnology-based drugs can resolve many problems of traditional therapies (chemotherapy, surgery, radiation). Molecules with pre-determined characteristics are more efficient and less toxic compared to their traditional analogues. Early diagnosis, specific delivery of drugs to the tumor site in a sufficient concentration for therapeutic effect, as well as tumor imaging help improve the efficacy of cancer treatment.