With exponential growth in nanotechnology and material chemistry, the application of a variety of nanomaterials in biomedical field has attracted increasing interest, especially in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nanoparticles have greatly revolutionized the therapy pattern of cancer owing to their specific targeting ability, prolonged circulation time, enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and decreased systemic side effects. Chitosan, a modified natural polysaccharide with excellent biocompatibility, has been intensively studied for use as carriers to deliver various drugs and genes in cancer treatment. This review provides an insight into the advances in chitosan-based nanoparticles with a focus on its therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.
Keywords: Chitosan Nanoparticles; Anticancer Drug; Drug Carrier; Gene Delivery; Biodegradability; ;Biocompatibility; Toxicity; Structure Modification; Positive Targeting; Active Targeting; Blood Circulation Time; Multi-Drug Resistance; ;Blood Brain Barrier; Cancer Diagnosis; In Vivo Imaging; Photodynamice Therapy; Thermotherapy; Individuakuzed Cancer Therapy.