Nanotechnology for Diagnosis, Imaging, and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

TLDR: This chapter sheds light on a new and challenging topic related to the management of head and neck cancer (HNC) through the application of nanotechnology.

Abstract: The emergence of nanotechnology has revolutionized many fields including chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, and medicine. The advent of nanotechnology-based nanomedicine including nanoparticles, nanocarriers, and nanoprobes is promising. However, the application of such materials in particular in cancer management is at an early stage of development. The knowledge about the basic mechanism of interactions of nanoparticles at molecular and cellular levels is not appropriate to disclose their full potential in biology and medicine. Furthermore, despite numerous clinical trials, the translational flow into clinical fields is very limited. This chapter sheds light on a new and challenging topic related to the management of head and neck cancer (HNC) through the application of nanotechnology. A general overview is provided about the available nanoparticles, their classification, and their pathway mechanisms into tumors. Finally, we made an effort to highlight the current nanotechnology-based strategies and active clinical trials targeting HNC.