This is a copy of the slides presented at the meeting but not formally written up for the volume.

Nanotechnology is expected to have a revolutionary impact on medical diagnosis and therapy. In cancer therapy, targeting and localized delivery are the key challenges. To wage an effective war against cancer, we have to have the ability to selectively attack the cancer cells, while saving the normal tissue from excessive burdens of drug toxicity. In this presentation, I will discuss the different nanotechnology platforms that we have developed for targeted drug and gene delivery to tumor mass. Special emphasis will be placed on nano-platforms that offer opportunities for multi-functionalization to allow for simultaneous strategic delivery of multiple therapeutic agents or combining imaging and therapeutic modalities. Results from our laboratory at Northeastern University show that polymer- and lipid-based nanosystems can provide versatile platforms for delivery of multiple therapeutic agents, specifically to enhance therapeutic effect and overcome drug resistance in cancer. In addition, polymeric nanoparticles are used for tumor-targeted anti-angiogenic gene therapy. Nanoemulsions, made from oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid, offer an opportunity to facilitate transport across biological barriers for targeted delivery of drugs and imaging agents. Lastly, I will discuss our work on gold and iron oxide-gold nanostructures that are functionalized for targeted imaging and drug delivery applications.