The by far most comprehensive reference on the new generation of targeted anticancer compounds summarizes knowledge gained during the past decade, from basic concepts to successful applications in the clinic. With contributions by almost 100 experts in basic and applied medical oncology, the contents cover active and passive targeting strategies as well as tissue-specific approaches. All current and future targeted delivery systems are discussed here, from ligand-based to antibody-based polymer-based systems, to micro- and nanoparticulate systems such as liposomes, nanoparticles and controlled-release polymers. A special section covers delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, such as siRNA, miRNA and antisense nucleotides.
In each case, a description of the basic technique is followed by discussion of the latest preclinical and clinical developments in the field.
By virtue of its synthesis of basic concepts and clinical applications, this reference is well suited for professionals, researchers and students in medical oncology and cancer biology.

Table of contents
PRINCIPLES OF TUMOR TARGETING
Limits of Conventional Cancer Chemotherapy
Pathophysiological and Vascular Characteristics of Tumors in Relation to Drug Delivery
The EPR-Effect in Relation to Tumor Targeting
Pharmacokinetics of Antibodies and Albumin: Implications for the Role of the MHC Receptor FcRn and T Cell Receptor for the Design of Drug Delivery Systems
Development of Cancer Targeting Ligands and Ligand-Drug Conjugates
Two-Step Approaches to Cancer Therapy

TUMOR IMAGING
Imaging Techniques in Drug Development and Clinical Practice
Magnetic Nanoparticles in MR Imaging and Drug Delivery
Near Infrared Imaging
Imaging Techniques for Cancer -
From Microscopy to Quantum Dots and Nanoshells
Preclinical and Clinical Tumor Imaging with PET and SPECT/CT

MACROMOLECULAR DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Antibody-Based Systems
Empowered Antibodies for Cancer Therapy
Vascular Targeting to Penetrate Solid Tumors
Considerations of Linker Technologies
Clinical Experience with Maytansine Antibody Conjugates
Mylotarg and Beyond
Antibodies for the Delivery of Radionuclides
Bispecific Antibodies and Immune Therapy Targeting

POLYMER-BASED SYSTEMS
Design of Polymer-Drug Conjugates
Dendritic Polymers as Drug Delivery Systems in Oncology
Self-Immolative Systems
Ligand-Assisted Targeting of Polymer Therapeutics
Drug Conjugates with Poly(ethylene)glycole
Thermally Responsive Polymers
Polysaccharide-Based Drug Conjugates for Tumor Targeting
Serum Proteins as Drug Carriers of Anticancer Agents
Combination Therapy with Drug Polymer Conjugates
Clinical Experience with Drug Polymer Conjugates

NANO- AND MICROPARTICULATE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Nanocarriers as Delivery Systems
The Development of Pegylated Liposomes
Immunoliposomes
Responsive Liposomes (for Solid Tumor Therapy)
Liposomal Formulations for Optimized Combination Therapy

POLYMER-BASED SYSTEMS
Micellar Strcutures as Drug Delivery Systems
Tailor-Made Hydrogels for Tumor Delivery
pH-Triggered Micelles
Albumin Nanoparticles
Carbon Nanotubes

LIGAND-BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Cancer Targeting
Subcellular Targeting
Targeting to Peptide Receptors
Aptamer Conjugates
Design and Synthesis of Drug Conjugates of Vitamins and Growth Factors
Drug Conjugates with Fatty Acids

SPECIAL TOPICS
RNA Drug Delivery Approaches
Local Gene Delivery for Therapy of Solid Tumors
RNA Delivery Using Viral Vectors
Design of Targeted Protein Toxins
CNS Drug Delivery
Liver Tumor Targeting
Drug Delivery in Photodynamic Therapy
Tumor Targeting Strategies with Anticancer Platinum Complexes