Towards extracellular matrix normalization for improved treatment of solid tumors

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• The dense extracellular matrix (ECM) in solid tumors impedes effective drug and nano-formulation delivery, leading to treatment challenges.
• Understanding ECM composition in normal and cancerous tissues is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on normal and cancer-associated ECM.
• To discuss strategies for modifying ECM to enhance drug and nano-formulation penetration in solid tumors.
• To explore methods for ECM imaging and monitoring temporal changes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ECM composition and remodeling in cancer.
• Analysis of strategies for ECM modification to improve drug delivery.
• Discussion of imaging and monitoring techniques for ECM changes.

Main Results:

• The aberrant ECM in solid tumors creates barriers to drug distribution, necessitating therapeutic strategies.
• Various approaches exist to modify ECM properties, potentially improving drug transport.
• Imaging and real-time monitoring of ECM remodeling are vital for therapeutic success.

Conclusions:

• Modifying the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) is a promising strategy to enhance drug delivery in solid tumors.
• Further in vivo monitoring of ECM remodeling is needed to optimize ECM-modifying strategies and chemotherapy regimens.