Drug delivery and transport to solid tumors

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Solid tumors exhibit unique vasculature differing from normal tissues.
• Tumor vasculature significantly influences drug transport and delivery dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental principles governing drug transport and delivery to solid tumors.
• To identify and discuss the barriers that impede effective drug delivery in solid tumors.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on tumor vasculature and drug transport mechanisms.
• Analysis of factors influencing drug and particle transport across tumor endothelium.
• Examination of determinants and barriers to drug transport, accumulation, and retention within tumors.
• Summary of experimental strategies to enhance drug delivery in solid tumors.

Main Results:

• Drug delivery to solid tumors involves complex processes: vascular transport, transvascular passage, and interstitial movement.
• These processes are dynamic, influenced by tumor properties, drug characteristics, and treatment interventions.
• Tumor biologic factors present multifaceted, often opposing, effects on drug delivery processes.

Conclusions:

• Adequate delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor cells is crucial for successful cancer therapy.
• Enhanced understanding of drug delivery principles and barriers can facilitate the development of novel cancer therapeutic strategies.