Upper gastrointestinal (GI) carcinomas are characterized as one of the deadliest cancer types with the highest recurrence rates. Their treatment is challenging due to late diagnosis, early metastasis formation, resistance to systemic therapy and complicated surgeries performed in poorly accessible locations. Current cancer medication face deficiencies such as high toxicity and systemic side-effects due to the non-specific distribution of the drug agent. Nanomedicine has the potential to offer sophisticated therapeutic possibilities through adjusted delivery systems. This review aims to provide an overview of novel approaches and perspectives on nanoparticle (NP) drug delivery systems for gastrointestinal carcinomas. Present regimen for the treatment of upper GI carcinomas are described prior to detailing various NP drug delivery formulations and their current and potential role in GI cancer theranostics with a specific emphasis on targeted nanodelivery systems. To date, only a handful of NP systems have met the standard of care requirements for GI carcinoma patients. However, an increasing number of studies provide evidence supporting NP-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Future development and strategic use of NP-based drug formulations will be a hallmark in the treatment of various cancers. This article seeks to highlight the exciting potential of novel NPs for targeted cancer therapy in GI carcinomas and thus provide motivation for further research in this field.

中文翻译：

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纳米药物输送系统在上消化道癌症治疗中的应用


上消化道（GI）癌是最致命且复发率最高的癌症类型之一。由于诊断较晚、转移形成较早、对全身治疗产生抵抗以及在交通不便的地点进行复杂的手术，他们的治疗具有挑战性。目前的癌症药物由于药物的非特异性分布而面临诸如高毒性和全身副作用等缺陷。纳米医学有潜力通过调整的输送系统提供复杂的治疗可能性。本综述旨在概述用于胃肠癌的纳米颗粒（NP）药物递送系统的新方法和观点。在详细介绍各种 NP 药物递送制剂及其在胃肠道癌症治疗诊断中当前和潜在的作用之前，先描述目前治疗上消化道癌的方案，特别强调靶向纳米递送系统。迄今为止，只有少数 NP 系统满足胃肠癌患者的护理标准要求。然而，越来越多的研究提供了支持基于 NP 的诊断和治疗工具的证据。基于 NP 的药物制剂的未来开发和战略使用将成为治疗各种癌症的标志。本文旨在强调新型纳米颗粒在胃肠道癌靶向治疗中的令人兴奋的潜力，从而为该领域的进一步研究提供动力。