Conventional to Nanoscale-Based Carrier Systems in the Management of Ovarian Cance

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common and dreadful cancer types which has affected the female population worldwide with an increased number of cases. Broadly, OC has been categorized into two types based on its mutational changes. These are Type 1 OC which is found to show less aggressive tumors without any mutation of the tumor protein p53 gene and Type 2 OC which exhibits tumors resulting from significant mutation of the P53 gene. The major molecular pathways and cellular targets responsible for the progression of OC include VEGF, PDGF, FGF, (PI3K)/AKT pathway, PARP, and others. The conventional therapies for the management of OC include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, and others. However, conventional therapies are restricted due to a few limitations such as unintended toxicities, relapse of the conditions, high dose, less bioavailability, and prolonged therapeutic regimen. Thus, to overcome these limitations nanotherapeutic approaches can be used for the effective delivery of drugs with superior targetability and negligible or no toxicity. In this chapter, we have discussed the major molecular pathways and cellular targets causing ovarian cancer. Also, the significant role of nanotherapeutic approaches and targeting mechanisms of encapsulated bioactive/drugs against ovarian cancer cells is summarized.