Gold Nanoparticles as Potential Antitumor Agents (Review)

The present review considers the main methods for obtaining nanoparticles of precious metals and methods of functionalization of their surfaces. The pharmacokinetics and possible mechanisms of chemotherapeutic action of gold nanoparticles are discussed, including induction of apoptosis, activation of lipid peroxidation, and inhibition of membrane glycoprotein-P transporter. The review also describes a promising variant of antitumor pharmacotherapy based on the use of gold glyconanoparticles with the surface modified by monosaccharide residues that have affinity for tumor cell lectins. This approach can be used to achieve targeted delivery to transformed tissues with minimal risk of systemic toxicity.