Metal-Based Nanomedicine for Targeted Therapy of Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Chinese and Egyptian civilizations described the ample usage of metals around 2500 BC. Bhasmas and Rasaushadas, a metal-based therapy for the treatment of chronic diseases including malignant tumors was known to the mankind since 1500  BC through ancient Indian systems of medicine Ayurveda and Sidda. Nanotechnology and nanomedicine came into existance after 1990’s and showing new paths and positive results in the management of metals in medicine and in particular in the treatment protocol of autoimmune diseases and cancer. The use of metals as therapeutic agents implicates that the human body can efficiently manage the metabolism as well as excretion of metals. The metals present in human body play an important role in disease management because they exist in the form of micronutrients. Cervical cancer is one of the most predominant gynecological malignancy and leading cause of death across the world mainly in developing countries.  The platinum-based drug cisplatin was widely recommended for locally advanced cervical cancer. There are several promising potent metal-based drugs available for cervical cancer but lot of further research and documentation yet to be completed. Even today to reduce mortality and morbidity in cervical cancer new treatment protocols are to be worked out, one of the important new promising treatment protocols may be metal-based nanomedicine for cervical cancer.  Our review article critically highlights the literature pertinent to the importance and status of metal-based medicine for cervical cancer.