Research advancements in nanoparticles and cell-based drug delivery systems for the targeted killing of cancer cells

Nanotechnology in cancer therapy has significantly advanced treatment precision, effectiveness, and safety, improving patient outcomes and personalized care. Engineered smart nanoparticles and cell-based therapies are designed to target tumor cells, precisely sensing the tumor microenvironment (TME) and sparing normal cells. These nanoparticles enhance drug accumulation in tumors by solubilizing insoluble compounds or preventing their degradation, and they can also overcome therapy resistance and deliver multiple drugs simultaneously. Despite these benefits, challenges remain in patient-specific responses and regulatory approvals for cell-based or nanoparticle therapies. Cell-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) that primarily utilize the immune-recognition principle between ligands and receptors have shown promise in selectively targeting and destroying cancer cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various nanoparticle and cell-based drug delivery system types used in cancer research. It covers approved and experimental nanoparticle therapies, including liposomes, micelles, protein-based and polymeric nanoparticles, as well as cell-based DDSs like macrophages, T-lymphocytes, dendritic cells, viruses, bacterial ghosts, minicells, SimCells, and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The review also explains the role of TME and its impact on developing smart DDSs in combination therapies and integrating nanoparticles with cell-based systems for targeting cancer cells. By detailing DDSs at different stages of development, from laboratory research to clinical trials and approved treatments, this review provides the latest insights and a collection of valuable citations of the innovative strategies that can be improved for the precise treatment of cancer.