Silver nanoparticles in tumor microenvironment modulation: Mechanistic insights, preclinical evidence, and...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanomedicine
• Materials Science

Background:

• Cancer is a major global health challenge driven by genetic and epigenetic changes.
• The tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for cancer progression, immune evasion, and metastasis.
• Modulating the TME is a key strategy for cancer prevention and therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the features and components of the TME.
• To explain the synthesis and mechanisms of action of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
• To contextualize AgNPs' applications in nanomedicine and cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of TME characteristics.
• Analysis of AgNP synthesis and mechanisms.
• Synthesis of existing research on AgNPs in cancer therapy.

Main Results:

• AgNPs exhibit anticancer properties through oxidative stress, impaired intracellular mechanisms, and immune signaling modulation.
• AgNPs demonstrate potential in nanomedicine for cancer treatment.
• The review synthesizes current understanding of AgNPs' role in targeting the TME.

Conclusions:

• AgNPs show promising anticancer activity by interacting with the TME.
• Key areas for future research include AgNP toxicity, environmental risks, and clinical translation.
• Further investigation is required to fully realize the therapeutic potential of AgNPs in oncology.