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Imaging methods to evaluate tumor microenvironment factors affecting nanoparticle drug delivery and antitumor
Amber S Moody1,2,3,4, Paul A Dayton1,2,4, William C Zamboni1,2,3
1UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
Abstract:
Standard small molecule and nanoparticulate chemotherapies are used for cancer treatment; however, their effectiveness remains highly variable. One reason for this variable response is hypothesized to be due to nonspecific drug distribution and heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, which affect tumor delivery of the agents. Nanoparticle drugs have many theoretical advantages, but due to variability in tumor microenvironment (TME) factors, the overall drug delivery to tumors and associated antitumor response are low. The nanotechnology field would greatly benefit from a thorough analysis of the TME factors that create these physiological barriers to tumor delivery and treatment in preclinical models and in patients. Thus, there is a need to develop methods that can be used to reveal the content of the TME, determine how these TME factors affect drug delivery, and modulate TME factors to increase the tumor delivery and efficacy of nanoparticles. In this review, we will discuss TME factors involved in drug delivery, and how biomedical imaging tools can be used to evaluate tumor barriers and predict drug delivery to tumors and antitumor response.
Insights
Understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) is key to improving cancer drug delivery. This review explores how TME factors affect chemotherapy and how imaging can enhance nanoparticle drug delivery and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chemotherapy effectiveness varies due to nonspecific drug distribution and tumor microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity.
- Nanoparticle drug delivery faces challenges from TME factors, limiting efficacy.
- Analyzing TME barriers is crucial for advancing nanotechnology in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze TME factors that impede drug delivery.
- To explore how biomedical imaging can evaluate these barriers.
- To guide the development of methods for enhanced nanoparticle delivery and efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on TME factors and drug delivery.
- Discussion of the role of TME heterogeneity in treatment response.
- Exploration of biomedical imaging techniques for TME assessment.
Main Results:
- Nonspecific distribution and TME heterogeneity significantly impact drug delivery.
- TME factors present physiological barriers to nanoparticle penetration and efficacy.
- Biomedical imaging offers potential for evaluating barriers and predicting treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of TME is essential for optimizing nanoparticle-based cancer therapies.
- Biomedical imaging can be leveraged to overcome TME-related delivery challenges.
- Modulating TME factors holds promise for increasing nanoparticle drug delivery and antitumor response.
