Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Platform for Simultaneous Administration of Phytochemicals and Chemotherapeutics: Emerging Trends in Cancer Management

Despite progress in cancer treatments, it remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Current chemotherapy is often hampered by side effects, tissue damage, and drug resistance. To overcome these limitations, research is exploring new approaches to improve chemotherapy efficacy and reduce its side effects. A promising strategy involves combining chemotherapeutic drugs with phytochemicals, which are active compounds derived from plants. Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in delivering these often-hydrophobic drugs, enhancing their bioavailability and solubility. This research area represents a significant convergence of nanotechnology with both conventional pharmaceuticals and botanical compounds. Global studies are increasingly demonstrating the potential of these combination therapies to inhibit cancer cell growth in laboratory and preclinical models. These studies suggest synergistic or additive effects that lead to improved treatment outcomes. This article focuses on recent advancements in nano-drug delivery systems, specifically those designed for the simultaneous delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs and phytochemicals. It explores the selection of phytochemicals based on their anticancer properties, outlines the design considerations for nanocarriers, and discusses how physicochemical characteristics influence drug release kinetics. Additionally, the review examines nanoformulations that integrate synthetic drugs with natural components, highlighting the potential of herbal oils and medicines in cancer treatment.