Tumor versus Tumor Cell Targeting in Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine
• Cancer Theranostics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Metal-based nanoparticles (mNPs) are extensively researched for cancer theranostics.
• Clinical translation of mNP-based theranostics is limited due to fundamental design and targeting misconceptions.
• Existing studies often conflate 'tumor targeting' (reaching the tumor mass) and 'tumor cell targeting' (interacting with cancer cells).

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze challenges in achieving effective tumor tissue and tumor cell targeting with mNPs.
• To explore essential features for the smart design of theranostic mNPs.
• To clarify the distinct concepts of tumor targeting and tumor cell targeting in mNP applications.

Main Methods:

• Critical review and analysis of existing literature on mNP theranostics.
• Examination of in vivo experimental studies focusing on nanoparticle targeting strategies.
• Discussion of physicochemical properties, targeting motifs, and physiological barriers relevant to mNP design.

Main Results:

• Misconceptions regarding tumor targeting and tumor cell targeting are prevalent, leading to flawed mNP designs.
• Successful theranostic strategies necessitate a clear distinction and tailored approaches for targeting tumor tissue versus individual tumor cells.
• Overcoming physiological barriers and optimizing mNP physicochemical properties are crucial for effective targeting.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of tumor targeting and tumor cell targeting is essential for advancing mNP theranostics.
• Smart design of mNPs requires careful consideration of targeting strategies, physicochemical attributes, and biological barriers.
• Addressing these challenges will improve the clinical translation of metal-based nanoparticles for cancer treatment and diagnosis.