nanocarriers for tumor microenvironment-targeted cancer therapy

Nanocarriers have been widely used to directly deliver anticancer drugs to target and control the tumor microenvironment, with auspicious outcomes reported.

Nanocarriers can provide site-specific delivery, controlled release, enhanced solubility and stability, decreased toxicities, and improved pharmacokinetics and biodistribution.

Multiple nanocarrier classes, including metal nanocarriers, liposomal nanocarriers, solid lipid nanocarriers, micelles, nanoemulsions, polymer-based nanocarriers, dendrimers, nanoclays, and nanocrystals, have shown potential in preclinical studies by delivering anticancer drugs through distinct anticancer mechanisms.

Challenges in nanocarrier-mediated tumor microenvironment targeting include scale-up, rapid clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system, and tumor microenvironment heterogeneity.

Nanocarriers can ameliorate the tumor microenvironment by regulating tumor-site redox environment, oxygen content, and pH.

Nanocarriers can reprogram the tumor microenvironment by regulating immunosuppressive factors and activating immunostimulatory cells.

Successful clinical translation of nanocarrier-based anticancer therapies requires careful study of drug loading optimization, nanocarrier-associated immunogenicity, and biocompatibility.

Some nanocarriers discussed for tumor microenvironment-targeted cancer therapy have already received US Food and Drug Administration approval, and some have entered clinical phases.