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Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Spatial Measurements of Perfusion, Interstitial Fluid Pressure and Liposomes Accumulation in Solid Tumors
09:00

Spatial Measurements of Perfusion, Interstitial Fluid Pressure and Liposomes Accumulation in Solid Tumors

Published on: August 18, 2016

Drug penetration in solid tumours

Andrew I Minchinton1, Ian F Tannock

  • 1Department of Medical Biophysics, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada. aim@bccrc.ca

Nature Reviews. Cancer
|July 25, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Effective chemotherapy requires anticancer drugs to reach all cancer cells. This study highlights neglected issues of poor drug distribution in tumors and proposes strategies to improve drug penetration for better cancer treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Chemotherapy effectiveness relies on efficient drug delivery to all cancer cells.
  • Limited drug distribution within tumors is a neglected factor in cancer treatment resistance.
  • Molecular mechanisms of resistance have been prioritized over drug penetration studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on incomplete anticancer drug distribution in tumor tissues.
  • To propose strategies for enhancing drug penetration in tumors.
  • To suggest selecting compounds based on tissue penetration abilities to improve therapeutic index.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and evidence synthesis on drug distribution in tumors.
  • Analysis of factors affecting drug penetration in neoplastic tissues.
  • Exploration of strategies to overcome drug distribution challenges.

Main Results:

  • Evidence indicates that the distribution of many anticancer drugs within tumor tissue is often incomplete.
  • Poor drug penetration can limit the efficacy of chemotherapy.
  • Strategies to improve drug penetration may enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Improving drug penetration in tumors is crucial for effective chemotherapy.
  • Developing strategies to enhance drug distribution can overcome treatment resistance.
  • Selecting drugs based on penetration capabilities can increase the therapeutic index and improve patient outcomes.

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