Targeting colorectal cancer via nanodrug delivery systems

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive tract. During the past decades, the use of nanotechnology to modify traditional drugs targeting CRC has attracted researchers’ attention. Extensive research has been conducted in this field to achieve the goal of increasing the accumulation of drugs at tumor sites, improving drug efficacy, avoiding unnecessary drug exposure, reducing toxic and side effects, gaining ideal pharmacokinetic properties, as well as improving the quality of patients’ life. In this chapter, the development of nanomedicines, the EPR effect, the molecular mechanisms of CRC, and the application of nanotechnology in the treatment and diagnosis of CRC are reviewed. Furthermore, clinical applications of nanomedicines in cancer therapy are also summarized for a better understanding in targeting colorectal cancer via nanodrug delivery systems.