TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN SURGICAL ONCOLOGY AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS: EMERGING THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES

Abstract

Conventional drug delivery systems often suffer from poor specificity, systemic toxicity, and limited therapeutic efficacy. The emergence of targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS), particularly those based on nanotechnology, has provided new opportunities to enhance treatment precision in complex diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the design, mechanisms, and applications of targeted drug delivery systems in surgical oncology and cardiovascular diseases, while highlighting recent advancements, clinical translation, and future directions. A narrative review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on nanotechnology-based delivery platforms, targeting strategies, and emerging therapeutic approaches relevant to oncology and cardiovascular medicine. Advanced drug delivery platforms, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, hydrogels, and nucleic acid-based systems, demonstrated improved drug stability, bioavailability, and site-specific targeting. In oncology, targeted strategies such as ligand-receptor interactions, antibody-mediated delivery, and stimuli-responsive systems enhanced tumor specificity and reduced toxicity. In cardiovascular disorders, nanomedicine enabled targeted treatment of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and inflammation. Emerging technologies, including AI-integrated design, theranostic nanoparticles, and personalized medicine approaches, further improved therapeutic precision. Targeted drug delivery systems represent a promising paradigm shift in modern therapeutics. Despite challenges related to toxicity, scalability, and regulatory approval, continued advancements and interdisciplinary integration are expected to drive their clinical translation and improve patient-specific treatment outcomes.