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Published on: August 2, 2022
Targeting tumor metastases: Drug delivery mechanisms and technologies
Vidya Ganapathy1, Prabhas V Moghe2, Charles M Roth2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA.
Abstract:
Primary sites of tumor are the focal triggers of cancers, yet it is the subsequent metastasis events that cause the majority of the morbidity and mortality. Metastatic tumor cells exhibit a phenotype that differs from that of the parent cells, as they represent a resistant, invasive subpopulation of the original tumor, may have acquired additional genetic or epigenetic alterations under exposure to prior chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutic treatments, and reside in a microenvironment differing from that of its origin. This combination of resistant phenotype and distal location make tracking and treating metastases particularly challenging. In this review, we highlight some of the unique biological traits of metastasis, which in turn, inspire emerging strategies for targeted imaging of metastasized tumors and metastasis-directed delivery of therapeutics.
Insights
Metastasis, the spread of cancer, causes most cancer deaths. Understanding its unique traits aids in developing targeted imaging and therapies for metastatic tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Metastasis, the spread of cancer from primary sites, is responsible for the majority of cancer-related morbidity and mortality.
- Metastatic cells possess distinct phenotypes, including resistance and invasiveness, often altered by prior treatments and microenvironmental changes.
- The unique characteristics of metastatic cells present significant challenges for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the unique biological traits of metastatic tumor cells.
- To explore emerging strategies for targeted imaging of metastases.
- To discuss approaches for metastasis-directed therapeutic delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on cancer metastasis.
- Analysis of biological differences between primary and metastatic tumor cells.
- Synthesis of emerging imaging and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Metastatic cells exhibit acquired resistance, invasiveness, and altered genetic/epigenetic profiles.
- Distal location and altered phenotype of metastases complicate tracking and treatment.
- Unique biological traits of metastasis inspire novel targeted imaging and delivery systems.
Conclusions:
- Targeted imaging strategies are being developed based on the unique biology of metastasis.
- Metastasis-directed therapies offer new avenues for treatment, inspired by cellular traits.
- Further research into metastatic biology is crucial for advancing cancer care.
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