Final answer:
A closed drug delivery system is a therapeutic setup that administers medication without exposing it to the external environment, often using nanotechnology for controlled, selective delivery of drugs, particularly important in cancer therapy to minimize side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
A closed drug delivery system is a type of therapeutic device or setup used to administer drugs while limiting exposure to the external environment. It is designed to enhance safety by minimizing the risk of drug contamination and healthcare worker exposure to drug vapors or needle injuries. In cancer therapy, this system is crucial as it aims to reduce the harmful side effects of anticancer drugs, which are frequently associated with conventional drug delivery methods.
Modern closed drug delivery systems leverage nanotechnology to provide selective targeting, improved penetration of biological barriers, and a controlled release of therapeutic agents. Stimuli-responsive nanosystems are a sophisticated example, reacting to specific physiological or pathological changes, hence providing a more personalized and efficient treatment.
Such advances in medical technology are part of the wider research into controlled drug delivery, seeking to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. These innovative systems represent the forefront of personalized medicine in cancer therapy and have the potential to revolutionize how we deliver treatments to patients.