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Today nano/microgels are considered an intriguing class of nanomaterials with crosslinked, three-dimensional polymeric networks. Nano/microgels simultaneously express properties of colloidal particles and hydrogels, such as stability and high surface area. Among these, stimuli-sensitive nanohybrid microgels have created a new approach in the treatment of specific tumors. Due to larger size of nanohybrid microgels in comparison to free drugs, their clearance by the renal system is reduced, resulting in longer circulation time, improved pharmacokinetics, and drug-solubility increment. Meanwhile tumor specificity may increase via its passive or active targeting. These smart materials can act as either anticancer drug-delivery systems, based on different kinds of pH-/thermo- and magnetoresponsive nano/microgels or as active nanovehicles for delivery of photodynamic therapy agents to the target tumor site. In addition, they can respond to the microenvironment of specific tumors by delivering the synergistic effects of hyperthermia and anticancer agents. In this chapter various approaches to tumor treatments via nanohybrid microgels are reviewed and new concepts in this field are discussed. |
