Role of Nanoparticles as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tool in Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: Cancer has become a life-threatening disease worldwide, with oral cavity and lip cancers becoming the 16th most common malignancy. Over 400,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Early diagnosis is crucial. Today, nanoparticles play an important part in imaging, diagnosis, and delivering drugs, offering new hope in the fight against cancer. The purpose of this study is to achieve a comprehensive evaluation of the role of nanoparticles as a tool that can help in the diagnosis as well as treatment of oral cancer.

Methodology: For this systematic review, three databases were used (PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and Cochrane). Articles containing combinations such as Nanoparticles [Oral Cancer], Nanoparticles [Drug Therapy], Oral Carcinoma [Nanotechnology], Oral Tumors [Nanomedicine], published in English and the last seven years were selected. 15 original articles were selected and studied thoroughly after using the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Result: Nanoparticles show promising roles in the early identification and diagnosis of cancers related to the oral cavity and prove to be effective drug carriers targeting cancerous cells.

Conclusion: Nanoparticles offer an innovative approach to cancer treatment, enabling precise diagnosis and early detection of cancerous cells. They allow targeted drug delivery, minimize harm to the healthy cells of the body along with decreasing the harmful effects of conventional treatments. This advancement holds great promise for improving cancer therapy outcomes.