Cancer treatment in the lymphatic system: A prospective targeting employing nanostructured systems

Cancer related to lymphangiogenesis has gained a great deal of attention in recent decades ever since specific markers of this intriguing system were discovered. Unlike the blood system, the lymphatic system has unique features that can advance cancer in future metastasis, or, conversely, can provide an opportunity to prevent or treat this disease that affects people worldwide. The aim of this review is to show the recent research of cancer treatment associated with the lymphatic system, considered one of the main gateways for disseminating metastatic cells to distant organs. Nanostructured systems based on theranostics and immunotherapies can offer several options for this complex disease. Precision targeting and accumulation of nanomaterials into the tumor sites and their elimination, or targeting the specific immune defense cells to promote optimal regression of cancer cells are highlighted in this paper. Moreover, therapies based on nanostructured systems through lymphatic systems may reduce the side effects and toxicity, avoid first pass hepatic metabolism, and improve patient recovery. We emphasize the general understanding of the association between the immune and lymphatic systems, their interaction with tumor cells, the mechanisms involved and the recent developments in several nanotechnology treatments related to this disease.