Passive and active tumour targeting with nanocarriers.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Nanocarriers can extravasate through leaky tumor vasculature.
• The enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect describes nanocarrier accumulation in solid tumors.
• Passive targeting relies on nanocarrier properties for prolonged circulation and EPR.
• Active targeting utilizes specific ligands to bind tumor cells or endothelium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current passive and active targeting strategies for nanocarrier-based cancer therapy.
• To highlight the benefits of nanocarrier targeting in improving drug delivery and efficacy.
• To discuss the reduction of toxic side effects associated with targeted cancer treatments.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on nanocarrier targeting strategies.
• Analysis of passive targeting mechanisms, including the EPR effect and surface modifications.
• Examination of active targeting approaches using specific binding ligands.
• Discussion of applications in enhancing the delivery of therapeutic molecules.

Main Results:

• Passive targeting leverages the EPR effect for nanocarrier accumulation in tumors.
• Active targeting enhances selectivity by employing specific ligands for tumor cells or endothelium.
• Both strategies aim to improve drug delivery, efficacy, and reduce toxicity.
• Nanocarriers facilitate the delivery of poorly soluble or sensitive drugs.

Conclusions:

• Passive and active targeting strategies are crucial for effective nanocarrier-based cancer therapy.
• Targeted nanocarriers offer improved therapeutic outcomes by increasing drug concentration at the tumor site.
• These approaches minimize systemic toxicity and enhance the delivery of challenging therapeutic agents.