Fig. 5

Improved anti-tumor activity of CDDP using the reviwed nanoparticles. The reviwed nanoparticles are able to mitigate CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity by improving targeted drug delivery using mechanisms like (1) redox/pH-dependent releases, (2) EPR effects, and (3) ligands used in NTDDS. Based on redox/pH-dependent release of CDDP, nanocarriers can release the drug in response to the difference between the extra- and intracellular pH or redox environments. In NTDDS approach, ligands on the surface of nanocarriers can bind to their overexpressed, specific receptors on the cell membrane of tumor cells, resulting in a receptor-related endocytosis and apoptosis. Enhanced permeability and retention (EPR); Epidermal growth factor (EGF); Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); Reactive oxygen species (ROS); Nanoparticle-Mediated Targeted Drug Delivery System (NTDDS)