Applications and perspectives of boron nitride nanotubes in cancer therapy

Abstract

Cancer is a generic term used to group several diseases sharing common characteristics, and represents one of the most complex illnesses known nowadays. During the past years, pronounced progress has been made in the field of nanomaterials given their great potential in biomedical applications. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are a promising tool in cancer diagnosis and therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties. In this chapter, a short introduction to cancer and to the related concepts (such as angiogenesis, signaling, and cycle of cancer cells) will be presented, besides current applications of nanotechnology concerning cancer diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the features that make BNNTs a nanomaterial with great potential in cancer therapy will be explained. The studies that have been performed involving BNNTs and new modalities of cancer treatment as active targeting, gene therapy, drug delivery, hyperthermia, and boron neutron capture therapy will be finally highlighted.