Nanoparticle-Mediated Cardiotoxicity and Nanomedicine Interventions in Cancer Treatment

Oisakede, Emmanuel O.; Oyedeji, Olawunmi O.; Olawuyi, Olabanke Florence; Alabi, John Oluwatosin; Daniel, Raphael Igbarumah Ayo; Olawade, David

Nanoparticle-Mediated Cardiotoxicity and Nanomedicine Interventions in Cancer Treatment

Oisakede, Emmanuel O. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5791-301X, Oyedeji, Olawunmi O. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0626-3422, Olawuyi, Olabanke Florence, Alabi, John Oluwatosin, Daniel, Raphael Igbarumah Ayo and Olawade, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0188-9836 (2026) Nanoparticle-Mediated Cardiotoxicity and Nanomedicine Interventions in Cancer Treatment. Nano TransMed, 5. p. 100113.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ntm.2026.100113

Abstract

Nanoparticle-based therapies have emerged as transformative tools in oncology, offering targeted drug delivery, improved pharmacokinetics, and minimised systemic toxicity. However, accumulating evidence suggests that whilst nanomedicines enhance therapeutic efficacy, they may inadvertently induce cardiotoxic effects through mechanisms including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune activation, endothelial injury, and off-target accumulation in cardiac tissues. This narrative review synthesises current literature on the cardiotoxic potential of various nanoparticle classes, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanostructures, dendrimers, and carbon-based materials. Following an established narrative review framework, we examined how nanoparticle physicochemical properties, administration parameters, and patient-specific factors contribute to cardiac risks, evaluated current and emerging methodologies for detecting nanoparticle-induced cardiotoxicity, and explored mitigation strategies through nanomedicine design innovations and artificial intelligence integration. The assessment of nanoparticle-induced cardiotoxicity faces significant challenges, including absent standardised evaluation protocols, limited sensitivity of traditional diagnostic tools, and difficulties isolating nanoparticle-specific effects from concurrent cancer therapies. Promising solutions encompass advanced in vitro cardiac models (organoids, heart-on-a-chip), novel biomarkers (microRNAs, extracellular vesicles), molecular imaging technologies, and computational modelling. Preventative strategies involve surface modification, biodegradable or biomimetic materials, co-delivery of cardioprotective agents, and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. Artificial intelligence is enhancing nanoparticle design optimisation, toxicity prediction, and personalised monitoring through digital twin models and AI-assisted imaging. As nanomedicine advances cancer care, addressing cardiotoxic risks through interdisciplinary collaboration, improved regulatory frameworks, and precision cardio-oncology strategies is imperative for ensuring safe, effective nanoparticle use in cancer treatment.