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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
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Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles

Published on: December 1, 2016

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New Avenues for Nanoparticle-Related Therapies

Michael Zhao1,2, Mingyao Liu3,4,5,6,7

  • 1Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Room: TMDT2-814, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada.

Nanoscale Research Letters
|May 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Nanoparticle drug delivery for cancer faces challenges due to the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS). Researchers should explore alternative targets and strategies like active targeting or MPS evasion for better therapeutic outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Nanoparticle-based drug delivery has been extensively researched for cancer treatment.
  • The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect is a key mechanism for passive tumor targeting.
  • Limited success has been observed, with nanoparticle clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) being a significant obstacle.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a shift in research focus for nanotechnologists away from solely cancer targets.
  • To explore alternative therapeutic strategies for diseases less reliant on the EPR effect.
  • To investigate novel delivery systems and targets for improved nanomedicine efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing nanoparticle delivery studies.
  • Conceptualization of alternative targeting strategies, including active targeting and MPS evasion.
  • Exploration of systemic and local drug delivery routes for non-cancerous diseases.
  • Evaluation of ex vivo and in vivo organ perfusion techniques for therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

  • The EPR effect's limitations in passive tumor targeting are highlighted.
  • Clearance by the MPS significantly hinders nanoparticle efficacy.
  • Alternative applications for nanomedicine in systemic diseases (e.g., sepsis, metabolic disorders) and local organ delivery are proposed.
  • Organ perfusion techniques offer new avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Nanotechnology research should diversify beyond cancer, focusing on diseases where EPR is less critical.
  • Developing active targeting or MPS evasion systems is crucial for overcoming delivery barriers.
  • Systemic and local delivery, alongside organ perfusion, present promising strategies for treating a wider range of conditions, including potential cancer therapies.
Keywords:
Ex vivo lung perfusionLocal deliveryNanodrug deliverySystemic diseasesTranslational research

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