Future path4 min read
Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine uses nano-sized carriers to deliver drugs to targeted tissues such as tumours. Some nano-based cancer drugs have been approved for years, but the use of nanotechnology for cancer diagnosis and treatment is largely still in development.
According to the NCI, nanocarriers can raise the overall therapeutic index of drugs, and can target cancer drugs and deliver them selectively to tumour tissue. Nanomedicines the FDA has approved include Doxil (first approved 1995), Abraxane (2005), Onivyde (2015) and Vyxeos (2017).
Many nanotherapies are still in clinical trials, and researchers are working on delivery platforms based on nanomaterials, including platforms for delivering immunotherapies that may themselves cause serious side effects including autoimmunity. As for the "nanorobots" common in the news, the NCI pages we read did not mention them, so this page makes no claim about them.
- In widespread clinical use
- Approved for specific uses
- In clinical trials
- Preclinical
- Concept
A number of nano cancer drugs have been approved since 1995, but the use of nano in diagnosis and treatment is still mostly at the development stage, and many therapies are in clinical trials.
- Approved nano cancer drugsApproved for specific uses
These include Doxil, Abraxane, Onivyde and Vyxeos according to the NCI table.1
- New nanotherapies for cancerIn clinical trials
Many are undergoing clinical trials.1
- Nanorobots
Not mentioned by the two NCI pages; so we make no claim about them.21
Status last checked: · What the maturity levels mean
What is this path?
Nanocarriers can raise the overall therapeutic index of drugs through nano formulations.
Among their aims is to target cancer drugs and deliver them selectively to tumour tissue; see Cancer treatment.
Where does the research stand?
Doxil and Abraxane are the best-known nanomedicines, and the FDA approved them years ago (Doxil first approved in 1995, and Abraxane in 2005).
Approved nanomedicines also include Onivyde (2015) and Vyxeos (approved by the FDA in 2017 and by the European Medicines Agency in 2018).
According to the NCI table: Doxil for metastatic breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Kaposi sarcoma and multiple myeloma; Abraxane for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer; Onivyde for pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer; and Vyxeos for acute myeloid leukaemia.
Many other nanotherapies are undergoing clinical trials.
What separates it from clinical use?
The use of nanotechnology in diagnosing and treating cancer is still mostly at the development stage.
Researchers are working on delivery platforms based on nanomaterials, including platforms for delivering immunotherapies that may cause serious side effects including autoimmunity.
The two NCI pages did not mention "nanorobots", so this page makes no claim about them.
Common questions
Is a nanomedicine always better than a conventional drug?
The sources do not say so; nanocarriers can raise the therapeutic index of some drugs, but the choice of treatment is decided by the treating doctor according to the type of disease and the patient's condition.2
Questions for your doctor
- Is there an approved nanotherapy suitable for my condition, and what are its advantages and side effects compared with the alternatives?
- Are there clinical trials suitable for me?
References
- 1National Cancer Institute (NIH). Cancer Nano-Therapies in the Clinic and Clinical Trials. dctd.cancer.gov/research/research-areas/nanotech/cancer-nano/current-therapiesHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 2National Cancer Institute (NIH). Nanotechnology Cancer Therapy and Treatment. dctd.cancer.gov/research/research-areas/nanotech/cancer-nano/treatmentHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
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Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.