Physiological Considerations and Delivery Strategies for Targeting Tumors Through Intraperitoneal Delivery

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The peritoneal cavity is a key site for ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers.
• Intraperitoneal (IP) drug delivery provides pharmacokinetic advantages over intravenous (IV) administration, including higher local drug concentrations and reduced systemic toxicity.
• Clinical application of IP therapy faces barriers like poor tissue penetration, incomplete coverage, rapid clearance, and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advanced strategies for overcoming limitations in intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivery.
• To highlight innovations enhancing drug efficacy and safety in the peritoneal cavity.

Main Methods:

• Review of particulate-based delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticles) for enhanced tumor targeting and controlled release.
• Discussion of sustained drug release hydrogels for prolonged therapeutic effect.
• Analysis of pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIAAC) for improved peritoneal coverage.

Main Results:

• Nanoparticles offer passive accumulation, active targeting, and stimuli-responsive release.
• Hydrogels provide sustained drug release, improving therapeutic duration.
• Pressurized aerosol chemotherapy enhances drug distribution within the peritoneal cavity.

Conclusions:

• Advanced strategies show promise in overcoming IP chemotherapy delivery barriers.
• Successful clinical translation requires optimizing parameters like ascites dynamics, tumor heterogeneity, and drug resistance.
• Integrating novel delivery technologies with peritoneal physiology understanding is vital for effective IP cancer therapy.