Extracellular vesicles for improved tumor accumulation and penetration

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs), encompassing microparticles and exosomes, are increasingly recognized for their potential in targeted tumor drug delivery.
• Significant advancements have been made in strategies to improve EV accumulation and penetration within deep tumor tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current strategies for enhancing tumor accumulation and penetration of EVs as drug delivery systems.
• To explore the role of innate EV characteristics and various engineering approaches in improving drug delivery efficacy.
• To discuss methods for modulating EV biological functions to facilitate tumor penetration.

Main Methods:

• Summarization of EVs from diverse cell origins with distinct inherent properties.
• Analysis of engineered approaches including chemical, genetical, and biomimetic engineering for EV modification.
• Review of biological function modulation techniques such as extracellular matrix degradation, mechanical property regulation, and transcytosis enhancement.

Main Results:

• Engineered EVs and modulated biological functions significantly enhance tumor accumulation and penetration.
• Diverse strategies leverage innate EV properties and external modifications for improved drug delivery.
• Biological function modulation aids in overcoming tumor barriers for deeper drug distribution.

Conclusions:

• EVs represent a promising platform for advanced tumor-targeted drug delivery.
• Further research and development are crucial to overcome existing challenges for successful clinical translation.
• Optimizing EV engineering and biological modulation holds potential for next-generation cancer therapies.