Emerging Biomaterials-Based Strategies for Inhibiting Vasculature Function in Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Tumor growth relies on continuous oxygen and nutrient supply via blood vasculature.
• Nanotherapeutics targeting tumor vasculature show promise for cancer treatment via starvation therapy.
• Existing strategies for vascular disruption are not comprehensively reviewed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an exhaustive summary of biomaterial-based strategies for disrupting tumor vascular function.
• To highlight nanotherapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
• To inform the design of anti-cancer nanomedicine targeting the tumor vascular system.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on biomaterial-based strategies.
• Categorization of methods including hydrogel/nanogel-mediated arterial embolism.
• Analysis of thrombosis activator-loaded nanomaterials for vascular occlusion.
• Examination of anti-vascular drugs targeting tumor vasculature.

Main Results:

• Identification of diverse biomaterial-based strategies to disrupt tumor blood vessels.
• Demonstration of nanotherapeutic potential in starving tumors.
• Compilation of methods for local arterial embolism and vascular occlusion.
• Overview of anti-vascular drugs impacting tumor vascular function.

Conclusions:

• Biomaterial-based strategies effectively disrupt tumor vascular function.
• Nanotherapeutics offer a promising avenue for cancer starvation therapy.
• Targeting the tumor vascular system is a key strategy for developing novel anti-cancer nanomedicine.