Stimuli-responsive nanoassemblies for targeted delivery against tumor and its microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Conventional cancer treatments face limitations in efficacy and exhibit significant side effects.
• Nanoassemblies are emerging as promising delivery systems in nanomedicine for enhanced tumor diagnosis and therapy.
• Designing nanoassemblies with tailored properties is crucial for effective payload delivery and reduced toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review stimuli-responsive nanoassemblies designed to overcome the challenges posed by the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• To discuss strategies for overcoming barriers in drug delivery to targeted tumor sites.
• To explore the potential of nanoassemblies for clinical applications in tumor-targeted delivery.

Main Methods:

• Description of TME characteristics including hypoxia, oxidoreduction, ATP elevation, and acidity.
• Differentiation of vascular and stromal TME characteristics.
• Review and summarization of strategies to overcome delivery barriers.

Main Results:

• Nanoassemblies can be engineered with specific shapes, sizes, and surface charges for diverse applications.
• Stimuli-responsive nanoassemblies show potential for improved payload delivery within the TME.
• Strategies exist to overcome biological and physical barriers for targeted drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• Stimuli-responsive nanoassemblies represent a promising approach for overcoming TME challenges.
• Further research into nanoassembly design and application is needed for clinical translation.
• These advanced delivery systems hold potential for improved cancer therapy outcomes.