Nanoengineered polymers and other organic materials in lung cancer treatment: Bridging the gap between research and clinical applications

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with increasing incidence and mortality rates projected for the coming years. Lung cancer, in particular, poses significant obstacles due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options. While advancements in molecular diagnostics have been made, there is a critical need to connect the dots between laboratory and hospital for better lung cancer treatment. Systemic therapy plays a crucial role in treating advanced-stage lung cancer, and recent efforts have focused on developing innovative drug delivery techniques. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising approach to lung cancer treatment, offering enhanced drug delivery, active targeting, and reduced toxicity. Organic-based nanomaterials, like polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and liposomes hold great potential in this field. This review examines the application of NPs in lung cancer treatment, highlights current therapies, explores organic nanoparticle-based approaches, and discusses limitations and future perspectives in clinical translation.