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Published on: October 8, 2016
Lymphatic Targeting of Nanosystems for Anticancer Drug Therapy
Raquel Abellan-Pose, Noemi Csaba, Maria Jose Alonso1
1NanoBioFar Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases. Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS). Dept. of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Campus Vida, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Avenida Barcelona s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain. mariaj.alonso@usc.es.
Abstract:
The lymphatic system represents a major route of dissemination in metastatic cancer. Given the lack of selectivity of conventional chemotherapy to prevent lymphatic metastasis, in the last years there has been a growing interest in the development of nanocarriers showing lymphotropic characteristics. The goal of this lymphotargeting strategy is to facilitate the delivery of anticancer drugs to the lymph node-resident cancer cells, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the anti-cancer therapies. This article focuses on the nanosystems described so far for the active or passive targeting of oncological drugs to the lymphatic circulation. To understand the design and performance of these nanosystems, we will discuss first the physiology of the lymphatic system and how physiopathological changes associated to tumor growth influence the biodistribution of nanocarriers. Second, we provide evidence on how the tailoring of the physicochemical characteristics of nanosystems, i.e. particle size, surface charge and hydrophilicity, allows the modulation of their access to the lymphatic circulation. Finally, we provide an overview of the relationship between the biodistribution and antimetastatic activity of the nanocarriers loaded with oncological drugs, and illustrate the most promising active targeting approaches investigated so far.
Insights
Developing lymphotropic nanocarriers enhances anticancer drug delivery to lymph nodes, improving metastatic cancer treatment. Tailoring nanoparticle properties optimizes lymphatic targeting and therapeutic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- The lymphatic system is a primary pathway for metastatic cancer spread.
- Conventional chemotherapy lacks selectivity, failing to prevent lymphatic metastasis.
- Nanocarriers offer a promising strategy for targeted delivery to lymph nodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nanosystems designed for lymphotropic delivery of anticancer drugs.
- To explore how lymphatic physiology and tumor growth affect nanocarrier biodistribution.
- To discuss strategies for optimizing nanocarrier design for lymphatic targeting.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on lymphotropic nanocarriers for cancer therapy.
- Analysis of the influence of physicochemical properties (size, charge, hydrophilicity) on lymphatic uptake.
- Examination of the relationship between nanocarrier biodistribution and antimetastatic activity.
Main Results:
- Physicochemical properties of nanocarriers significantly modulate their lymphatic circulation and biodistribution.
- Tumor-induced physiological changes impact nanocarrier delivery to lymph nodes.
- Active targeting strategies show promise for enhanced delivery to lymph node metastases.
Conclusions:
- Nanocarrier design is crucial for effective lymphotropic drug delivery.
- Understanding lymphatic system physiology is key to optimizing nanocarrier-based cancer therapies.
- Targeted nanocarriers hold potential for improved treatment of metastatic cancer.
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