Drug delivery: beyond active tumour targeting

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Cancer remains a leading cause of death despite advances in personalized medicine.
• Solid tumors exhibit significant heterogeneity and a complex tumor microenvironment (TME).
• The TME, comprising immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix, impedes effective drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the application of nanomedicine for targeted drug delivery to cancer cells.
• To discuss strategies for modulating the TME to improve chemotherapy delivery and efficacy.
• To highlight emerging opportunities in nanomedicine for solid tumor treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on nanomedicine applications in cancer.
• Analysis of the role of the tumor microenvironment in drug resistance.
• Discussion of nanotechnology-based strategies for drug delivery and TME modulation.

Main Results:

• Nanotechnology provides effective delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents.
• Nanomedicine can specifically target tumor cells, enhancing drug localization.
• Modulating the TME can overcome barriers to drug penetration and efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Nanomedicine holds significant potential to improve cancer therapy by enhancing drug delivery and overcoming TME-related challenges.
• Targeted delivery and TME modulation are key strategies for increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy in solid tumors.