Nano-pharmacokinetics and cancer theranostics

Abstract The importance of understanding the pharmacokinetic and therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) in chemotherapy and reviewing their application is highlighted and explained in this chapter. Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the study of dynamic movements of foreign chemicals during their passage through the body and as such encompasses the kinetics of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Therefore, to understand and predict the in vivo fate of NPs in the body, more insights into the correlation between particle properties and interaction with the body are needed. The use of nanocarriers as drug delivery systems enables the application of drugs in particulate form, which distinctly changes the ADME profile of the active compound. NPs are used in therapeutic treatments, such as tissue regeneration therapy and antitumor immunotherapy, because NPs are effective delivery vehicles for proteins, nucleic acids, and other bioactive compounds. It is evident through this review that application of nanotechnology in drug delivery and medicine has paved new pathways and opened many doors for providing customizable and safer treatment options. To elucidate the biological functions of NPs, and for the development of NPs-based therapeutics, the PK of NP is important. The nanopharmacokinetic profile of particles is mainly influenced by the protein adsorption pattern, which in turn is determined by the physicochemical properties of the particles. Hence nanopharmacokinetics is the key to efficiently modulate and to optimize maximum drug delivery for obtaining safe and efficient nanomedicines in the future. NPs can be made of polymers, proteins, lipids, or metals. Nonmetallic NPs are the most advanced and currently approved nanoparticulate therapies in the market. Rapid advancement in research, especially in the arena of NPs with biological applications, has led to the development of new diagnostics and treatment prospects. In this chapter, we aim to summarize current knowledge about the PK and biodistribution of NP. The PK of exogenously administered NP is discussed based on the tissue distribution, types of cells taking up NP, and key molecules in the PK of NP. In addition, recent progresses in the methods for controlling the PK of NP are reviewed.