Nanotechnology in lung cancer: Enhancing targeted drug delivery and diagnostic precision

Lung cancer remains a leading global cause of cancer-related mortality, driven by late diagnosis, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies. This review explores the transformative role of nanotechnology in overcoming these challenges through enhanced targeted drug delivery and diagnostic precision. Nanoparticles (1-100 nm) leverage unique physicochemical properties to improve drug solubility, prolong circulation, and enable tumor-specific accumulation via passive and active targeting mechanisms. These systems minimize systemic toxicity while maximizing therapeutic efficacy across chemotherapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy applications. In diagnostics, nanotechnology enables early detection via sensitive nanobiosensors and improves imaging resolution using various contrast agents. Theranostic platforms integrate real-time imaging with targeted treatment for personalized therapeutic approaches. Despite promising preclinical advances, clinical translation faces challenges in biocompatibility, manufacturing scalability, regulatory frameworks, and long-term toxicity assessment. Future directions emphasize biomimetic nanocarriers, AI-driven design, and personalized approaches aligned with precision oncology principles.