Abstract

Micelles are versatile nanosized systems composed by amphiphilic molecules. Their small size and capacity to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, as well as their easier functionalization, are some of the characteristics responsible for their multifunctionality, and their potential use in different clinical settings. In fact, micelles have important applications in cancer therapy because of their capacity to deliver hydrophobic anticancer drugs to tumor sites. In recent years, applications beyond the delivery of hydrophobic drugs have been explored. In this chapter, we will discuss the main features of micelles that make them good candidates in the development of systems for cancer therapy and bioimaging. The state-of-the-art and recent advances in academic research and in clinical applications will be discussed