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Updated: Apr 4, 2026

A Permanent Window for Investigating Cancer Metastasis to the Lung
Published on: July 1, 2021
Opening Windows into Tumors
1The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado , Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States.
Abstract:
Delivery of nanoparticles to tumors is limited by vascular permeability and intratumoral diffusion. In this issue of ACS Nano, Jiang et al. show that the manipulation of tumor physiology using antiangiogenic therapy can improve the tumor penetration of quantum dots with 20 and 40 nm hydrodynamic diameters. This Perspective describes the problems, challenges, and perspectives of using antiangiogenic therapy in combination with nanometer-sized drugs and contrast agents in preclinical and clinical studies.
Insights
Antiangiogenic therapy can enhance tumor penetration of quantum dots by altering tumor physiology. This approach shows promise for improving nanoparticle drug delivery and imaging in cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nanoparticle delivery to tumors faces challenges from vascular permeability and poor diffusion within the tumor.
- Effective tumor targeting is crucial for maximizing therapeutic efficacy and diagnostic accuracy of nanomedicines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how manipulating tumor physiology with antiangiogenic therapy can improve nanoparticle penetration.
- To discuss the potential and challenges of combining antiangiogenic therapy with nanomedicines for cancer treatment and diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the effect of antiangiogenic therapy on tumor physiology.
- Evaluated the penetration of 20 and 40 nm quantum dots into tumors under antiangiogenic treatment.
- Reviewed preclinical and clinical data on combined antiangiogenic and nanomedicine approaches.
Main Results:
- Antiangiogenic therapy was shown to improve the intratumoral diffusion of quantum dots.
- Tumor physiology modification is a viable strategy to enhance nanoparticle delivery.
Conclusions:
- Combining antiangiogenic therapy with nanomedicines offers a promising strategy to overcome delivery barriers in tumors.
- Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to optimize this combination approach for cancer nanotherapeutics and imaging agents.

