Gold Nanoparticles and their Applications in Cancer Treatment

Background: Cancer nanotechnology has become a prime field of investigations for the scientists nowadays. There are several nanocarrier systems used for effective cancer therapeutics and gold nanoparticles (GNPs/AuNPs) have become promising vehicles for the delivery of anticancer drugs into their targets. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs/AuNPs) have been explored for tumor targeting, tumor imaging, and photothermal therapy of cancer due to their unique physicohemical and optical characteristics. Methods: We searched about recent research progress made in the field of gold nanoparticulate systems for effective elimination of cancer. Our main focus was on the use of gold nanoparticles (spherical), gold nanorods, and gold nanostars for improved cancer therapy. Results: Gold nanoparticles are suited well for cancer therapeutics due to their higher biocompatibility and lesser toxicity. They can be utilized actively or passively both for the targeting of tumor cells. Conclusion: Recently, gold nanoparticulates have been investigated preclinically for the treatment of cancer. Their clinical practice is still a challenge and it is necessary to carry out clinical practice of gold nanoparticles to make them available in the market. Future advancement in the field of gold nanoparticles will likely produce better results in cancer therapeutics.