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Published on: October 8, 2016
Tumor-Microenvironment- Responsive Size-Shrinkable Drug-Delivery Nanosystems for Deepened Penetration Into Tumors
Xiaoliang Cheng1, Houli Li1, Xuemei Ge2
1Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
Abstract:
Over the years, the manipulation and clinical application of drug-delivery nanosystems for cancer diseases have attracted a rapid growth of academic research interests, and some nanodrugs have been approved for clinic application. Although encouraging achievements have been made, the potency of nanomedicines in cancer treatment is far from satisfaction, and one significant reason is the inefficient penetration of nanoparticles into solid tumors. Particle size is one of the most significant features that influence diffusion ability of the drug-delivery system in tumors. Size-shrinkable drug-delivery nanosystems possess a size-switchable property that can achieve passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and transform into ultrasmall particles in tumors for deep penetration into tumors. The tumor microenvironment is characterized by acidic pH, hypoxia, upregulated levels of enzymes, and a redox environment. In this review, we summarize and analyze the current research progresses and challenges in tumor microenvironment responsive size-shrinkable drug-delivery nanosystems. We further expect to present some meaningful proposals and enlightenments on promoting deep penetration into tumors of nanoparticles.
Insights
Size-shrinkable nanodrugs offer a promising strategy to overcome inefficient nanoparticle penetration in solid tumors. These systems adapt their size within the tumor microenvironment for deeper drug delivery and improved cancer treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Drug-delivery nanosystems show promise for cancer treatment, but their efficacy is limited by poor penetration into solid tumors.
- Nanoparticle size is a critical factor affecting diffusion and penetration within tumor tissues.
- The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect aids passive tumor targeting, but deeper penetration remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze advancements in tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive, size-shrinkable drug-delivery nanosystems.
- To identify current research progress and challenges associated with these advanced nanocarriers.
- To propose strategies for enhancing nanoparticle deep penetration into tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on size-shrinkable drug-delivery nanosystems.
- Analysis of nanoparticle properties, TME characteristics, and their interplay.
- Evaluation of strategies for achieving size-switchable properties in nanomedicines.
Main Results:
- Size-shrinkable nanosystems can passively target tumors via the EPR effect and then shrink to ultrasmall sizes for deep tumor penetration.
- The TME, characterized by acidic pH, hypoxia, enzymes, and redox conditions, can trigger nanoparticle size changes.
- Current research highlights the potential of TME-responsive nanosystems to overcome penetration barriers.
Conclusions:
- Tumor microenvironment-responsive, size-shrinkable drug-delivery nanosystems represent a promising approach to enhance nanomedicine efficacy in cancer.
- Further research is needed to optimize these systems and address challenges in their clinical translation.
- Developing strategies for controlled size transformation within tumors is key to achieving deep penetration and improved therapeutic outcomes.
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