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Drug delivery to lymphatic tissue
1MR Pharmaceutical Program, NMR Center, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, USA.
Efficient diagnosis and therapy of diseases affecting lymph nodes rely on the availability of drugs that are retained by lymph nodes. Intralymphatically or interstitially administered macromolecular carriers accumulate efficiently in draining lymph nodes. However, because of the high variability of lymphatic networks and drainage routes, systemic administration of lymphotropic carriers would be preferable and currently represents a major focus in lymphotropic drug design. This review focuses on advances in the development of intravenous drug carriers and briefly discusses agents used for local delivery.
Efficient diagnosis and therapy of diseases affecting lymph nodes rely on the availability of drugs that are retained by lymph nodes. Intralymphatically or interstitially administered macromolecular carriers accumulate efficiently in draining lymph nodes. However, because of the high variability of lymphatic networks and drainage routes, systemic administration of lymphotropic carriers would be preferable and currently represents a major focus in lymphotropic drug design. This review focuses on advances in the development of intravenous drug carriers and briefly discusses agents used for local delivery.