A review on silver nanoparticle formulation of cisplatin for lung cancer therapy

Abstract

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of global cancer mortality, and cisplatin continues to serve as a first-line chemotherapeutic agent in its management. However, the clinical utility of cisplatin is limited by poor solubility, dose-limiting toxicities, and the development of drug resistance. Advances in nanotechnology have opened new avenues for drug delivery, with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) emerging as promising carriers owing to their intrinsic anticancer properties, high surface area, and ease of functionalization. Cisplatin-loaded AgNPs have demonstrated improved pharmacokinetic behavior, sustained release, and selective tumor accumulation, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. Preclinical studies have shown significant cytotoxicity against lung cancer cell lines, inhibition of tumor growth in animal models, and reduced nephrotoxicity compared to free cisplatin. The synergistic action of cisplatin-induced DNA cross-linking and AgNP-mediated reactive oxygen species generation further enhances apoptosis and autophagy in resistant cancer cells. Nevertheless, challenges such as nanoparticle stability, potential silver-induced toxicity, scale-up limitations, and regulatory barriers hinder clinical translation. Future perspectives include targeted surface modifications, integration with immunotherapy or radiotherapy, and personalized nanomedicine strategies. Collectively, cisplatin–AgNPs represent a promising therapeutic platform with potential to overcome current limitations of lung cancer chemotherapy.