In Response to Precision Medicine: Current Subcellular Targeting Strategies for Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Subcellular targeted cancer therapy is a rapidly advancing field with significant clinical potential.
• Targeting specific organelles offers a novel approach to cancer treatment by exploiting their unique functions and vulnerabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current strategies for subcellular organelle-targeted cancer therapy.
• To review both molecule- and nanomaterial-based approaches for targeting mitochondria, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and the nucleus.

Main Methods:

• Review of targeting strategies based on molecular and nanomaterial delivery systems.
• Analysis of therapeutic modalities including phototherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapies.
• Discussion of materials designed based on organelle-specific properties and mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Two main targeting strategies for four key subcellular organelles are detailed.
• Various therapeutic approaches, including combination therapies, are presented.
• Materials are designed to induce organelle dysfunction or structural destruction for tumor elimination.

Conclusions:

• Organelle-targeting cancer therapies hold promise for enhanced efficacy.
• Challenges in current organelle-targeting strategies are identified.
• A future paradigm for improved cancer treatment through organelle targeting is envisioned.