NANOTECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN TARGETED THERAPIES FOR COLORECTAL CANCER: A NEW FRONTIER IN PRECISION ONCOLOGY

One of the biggest causes of cancer-related morbidity and death globally is still colorectal cancer (CRC). Systemic toxicity and medication resistance are two drawbacks of conventional therapies such radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. Consequently, targeted therapies have emerged as promising alternatives aimed at improving treatment specificity and efficacy while minimizing side effects. This review highlights various targeted treatment modalities for CRC, with a particular emphasis on nanotechnology-based approaches. Because of their capacity to deliver therapeutic drugs directly to tumour locations, nanoparticles (NPs), such as liposomes
and polymeric nanoparticles, have drawn a lot of attention. Liposomes, characterized by their biocompatibility and capacity to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, enhance drug accumulation in cancerous tissues through passive and active targeting mechanisms. Additional benefits of polymeric nanoparticles include stability, controlled drug release, and the ability to modify their surface to increase targeted effectiveness. These nanoscale carriers can be engineered to recognize specific molecular markers overexpressed in CRC cells, thereby enabling precision medicine approaches. In addition to nanoparticles, monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors that block signalling pathways essential to tumour development and metastasis are also mentioned as targeted treatments. The review also addresses current advances in nano preparative techniques and the ongoing clinical trials that validate the potential of these novel therapies. By improving therapeutic results and lowering side effects, the combination of nanotechnology and molecular targeting techniques holds the potential to completely transform the treatment of colorectal cancer. Overall, targeted treatments, especially nanoparticle-based systems, represent a significant leap forward in the management of colorectal cancer.

Keywords: Colorectal Cancer, Carbon Nanotubes, Chemotherapy, Liposomes, Nanoparticles.