Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as an adaptable nanocarrier system for cancer treatment due to their biocompatible lipid matrix, capacity to encapsulate chemically diverse therapeutics, and ability to protect drugs from premature degradation. Their nanoscale dimensions support passive tumor accumulation through the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect, while surface engineering allows ligand-mediated targeting to improve cellular internalization and reduce off-target toxicity. The performance of SLNs is strongly influenced by the manufacturing approach, as process parameters dictate particle size, polymorphic behavior, drug loading efficiency, and release kinetics. Conventional and advanced preparation strategies including high-pressure homogenization, ultrasonication, solvent emulsification, membrane-assisted techniques, and supercritical fluid processing continue to evolve to meet requirements for scalability, structural stability, and improved pharmacological performance. Post-processing approaches further enhance the shelf-life and handling suitability of SLN formulations through conversion into solid dosage forms without compromising colloidal behavior after redispersion. Extensive research has demonstrated that rationally developed SLNs enhance therapeutic efficacy across multiple cancer types, including lung, liver, colorectal, breast, prostate, cervical, melanoma, and bladder malignancies. These systems have shown improved drug solubility, superior intracellular uptake, stronger induction of apoptosis, enhanced tumor-site accumulation, and reduced systemic toxicity compared with conventional formulations. Co-delivery of synergistic agents, tumor-microenvironment-responsive release, and targeted surface modifications further elevate their potential as precision-oriented delivery systems. This review consolidates advancements in SLN manufacturing technologies and evaluates their application in diverse cancer models. By linking fabrication principles to biological performance, it highlights current opportunities and challenges in expanding SLN-based therapeutics as promising platforms for more effective and safer cancer treatment.
Sumalatha et al. (Fri,) studied this question.