Recent Advances and Mechanism of Nanomaterials Promoting Tumor Metastasis

Abstract

Tumor metastasis is one of the most significant biological characteristics of malignant tumors. Advances in nanotechnology provide a new direction for tackling malignant tumors. Unlike previous studies that focused on the use of nanomaterials to eliminate tumors and avoid metastasis, this work focuses on summarizing the mechanisms by which some nanomaterials promote tumor metastasis in some cases. In this Review, we summarized recent research about various nanomaterials promoting tumor metastasis. The mechanisms of nanomaterials in this process have been highlighted, including the induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in tumor cells by nanomaterials, the interaction of nanomaterials with the vasculature, and the induction of inflammation by nanomaterials. Elucidating the mechanism of nanomaterials promoting tumor metastasis is beneficial to guide the development and application of safe and efficient nanomaterials, which can effectively reduce the incidence of tumor metastasis in the future.