Bridging Bio–Nano Science and Cancer Nanomedicine

Abstract

The interface of bio-nano science and cancer medicine is an area experiencing much progress but also beset with controversy. Core concepts of the field-e.g., the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, tumor targeting and accumulation, and even the purpose of "nano" in cancer medicine-are hotly debated. In parallel, considerable advances in neighboring fields are occurring rapidly, including the recent progress of "immuno-oncology" and the fundamental impact it is having on our understanding and the clinical treatment of the group of diseases collectively known as cancer. Herein, we (i) revisit how cancer is commonly treated in the clinic and how this relates to nanomedicine; (ii) examine the ongoing debate on the relevance of the EPR effect and tumor targeting; (iii) highlight ways to improve the next-generation of nanomedicines; and (iv) discuss the emerging concept of working with (and not against) biology. While discussing these controversies, challenges, emerging concepts, and opportunities, we explore new directions for the field of cancer nanomedicine.

New Strategies in the Design of Nanomedicines to Oppose Uptake by the Mononuclear Phagocyte System and Enhance Cancer Therapeutic Efficacy

“…For further directions to oppose nanomedicine uptake by the MPS, it is reasonable to have a deeper understanding of the NP–MPS interactions. To increase the delivery efficacy, we have to treat the delivery process as a whole, in other words, not simply to focus on only one part of the delivery . For example, modulating the MPS to reduce sequestration and, at the same time, designing NPs with the ability to overcome the tumor microenvironment barrier is promising to increase delivery efficiency.…”

“… By bridging the bio–nano science and cancer nanomedicine, we can design nanocarriers that are more effective for in vivo treatment of disease. Reproduced with permission …”

“…To increaset he delivery efficacy,w e have to treat the delivery process as aw hole, in other words, not simply to focus on only one part of the delivery. [82] For example,m odulatingt he MPS to reduce sequestration and, at the same time, designing NPs with the ability to overcomet he tumor microenvironment barrier is promisingt oi ncrease delivery efficiency.T he "liver on ac hip" [86] can be as trong tool for mimicking NP deliveryi nd ifferent organs in vitro. By simulating the pathophysiological environment, microfluidic chips provide us with af ast and cost-effective alternative to predict the in vivo performance of nanomaterials.…”

Surface‐Active Fluorinated Quantum Dots for Enhanced Cellular Uptake

“…Much efforth as been directed towards the understanding of the cellular uptake of nanoparticles (NPs) to design novel nanostructures with improved bioperformancea nd, consequently,ah igher efficiency in biomedical applications,s uch as bioimaging, intracellular sensing, and drug delivery,a mong others. [1][2][3][4] In this direction, functionalization strategies to optimize cellular uptake and trafficking as well as methodologies to revealt he parameters controlling the nanoparticle-cell interactions are of utmost importance. [5,6] The first major barrier against the influx of exogenous materials inside ac ell is the impermeable phospholipid bilayer of the cellular membrane, and the particular behavior of this bilayer is often unpredictable.…”

Sonochemical Formation of Copper/Iron‐Modified Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for Ketorolac Delivery

“…[9] Nanomedicine offers beneficial approachesb ased on objects at the nanoscale, with the aim of increasing the drug surface area by reducing its size and modifying its surface to facilitate more rapid dissolution and absorption by at arget tissue. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Moreover,i tp rovidest echniques for safe handling and methods for minimizing the toxicityo fn anoscale carriers for in vivo application. [18][19][20][21] These nanoscale carriers can significantly improve the bioavailability of ad rug and decrease the dose of administration, thereby enhancing its therapeutic efficacy with lowers ide effects.…”