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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
Targeted drug delivery strategies to treat lung metastasis
Jair Bar1, Roy S Herbst, Amir Onn
1The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Center, Ontario, Canada. bar.jair@gmail.com
Background:
Most cancer patients die of metastatic disease, and in a high proportion of cases, from lung metastasis. Methods to target therapy to metastatic disease in general and specifically to lung metastasis are required.
Objective:
To describe the current and potential tools for the treatment of lung metastasis.
Methods:
Literature search tools were used with no predefined limitations to encompass the main tumor targeting methods. Methods in standard clinical use, in clinical trials and in preclinical development are reviewed. Data about treatment of lung metastasis and solid tumors are emphasized.
Results:
Physically targeting therapies to lung metastasis is feasible by aerosol-carried agents, magnetic targeting and intravascular devices. Biological targeting includes methods such as polymers and liposomes, which are based on the principle of enhanced permeability and retention of large molecules in tumor vascular field. Ligand-targeted treatments depend on cancer-specific antibodies or receptors. Few of these methods are in clinical trials or in standard clinical use. However, promising techniques are in advanced preclinical or early clinical studies. The authors believe that targeted treatments will be one the major anticancer tools in the near future.
Insights
Targeting therapies to lung metastasis is crucial for cancer treatment. Promising physical, biological, and ligand-based methods are emerging for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metastatic disease, particularly lung metastasis, is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality.
- Effective therapeutic strategies specifically targeting lung metastasis are urgently needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and potential therapeutic tools for treating lung metastasis.
- To explore various tumor targeting methods applicable to lung metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search on tumor targeting methods.
- Review of therapies in clinical use, clinical trials, and preclinical development.
- Emphasis on data related to lung metastasis and solid tumor treatment.
Main Results:
- Physical targeting methods include aerosol delivery, magnetic targeting, and intravascular devices.
- Biological targeting utilizes polymers and liposomes (enhanced permeability and retention effect).
- Ligand-targeted therapies employ cancer-specific antibodies or receptors.
- Few methods are in clinical use; many promising techniques are in preclinical or early clinical stages.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies show significant promise for treating lung metastasis.
- Advanced preclinical and early clinical studies indicate a strong future for targeted anticancer treatments.
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