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An Updated Review on EPR-Based Solid Tumor Targeting Nanocarriers for Cancer Treatment
Majid Sharifi1,2, William C Cho3, Asal Ansariesfahani4
1Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud 3614773947, Iran.
Abstract:
The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in cancer treatment is one of the key mechanisms that enables drug accumulation at the tumor site. However, despite a plethora of virus/inorganic/organic-based nanocarriers designed to rely on the EPR effect to effectively target tumors, most have failed in the clinic. It seems that the non-compliance of research activities with clinical trials, goals unrelated to the EPR effect, and lack of awareness of the impact of solid tumor structure and interactions on the performance of drug nanocarriers have intensified this dissatisfaction. As such, the asymmetric growth and structural complexity of solid tumors, physicochemical properties of drug nanocarriers, EPR analytical combination tools, and EPR description goals should be considered to improve EPR-based cancer therapeutics. This review provides valuable insights into the limitations of the EPR effect in therapeutic efficacy and reports crucial perspectives on how the EPR effect can be modulated to improve the therapeutic effects of nanomedicine.
Insights
The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect aids tumor drug delivery but faces clinical challenges. Optimizing nanocarrier design and understanding tumor structure are crucial for effective EPR-based cancer therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
Background:
- The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect is a key mechanism for passive tumor targeting by nanocarriers.
- Numerous nanocarrier systems designed for EPR-mediated tumor targeting have shown limited clinical success.
- Discrepancies between preclinical research and clinical trials, alongside a lack of understanding of tumor microenvironment impacts, contribute to this failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the limitations of the EPR effect in cancer nanomedicine.
- To provide insights into modulating the EPR effect for improved therapeutic outcomes.
- To highlight the importance of considering tumor structure and nanocarrier properties for EPR-based strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing studies on the EPR effect in cancer therapy.
- Examination of factors influencing nanocarrier performance, including tumor heterogeneity and physicochemical properties.
- Discussion of analytical tools and strategic goals for EPR-based drug delivery.
Main Results:
- The EPR effect's clinical translation is hindered by factors such as tumor structural complexity and nanocarrier design.
- Current research often overlooks the dynamic interactions within the tumor microenvironment.
- A deeper understanding of EPR mechanisms and tailored nanocarrier development is needed.
Conclusions:
- The clinical utility of the EPR effect in cancer treatment is limited by several factors.
- Future strategies must integrate a comprehensive understanding of tumor biology and nanocarrier characteristics.
- Modulating the EPR effect through improved design and targeted approaches holds promise for enhancing nanomedicine efficacy.
