Theranostics 2017; 7(3):538-558. doi:10.7150/thno.16684 This issue Cite

Review

Current Multistage Drug Delivery Systems Based on the Tumor Microenvironment

Binlong Chen1, 2, Wenbing Dai1,✉, Bing He1,2, Hua Zhang1, Xueqing Wang1, Yiguang Wang1, 2, Qiang Zhang1, 2,✉

1. Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
2. State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China

Citation:
Chen B, Dai W, He B, Zhang H, Wang X, Wang Y, Zhang Q. Current Multistage Drug Delivery Systems Based on the Tumor Microenvironment. Theranostics 2017; 7(3):538-558. doi:10.7150/thno.16684. https://www.thno.org/v07p0538.htm
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Abstract

Graphic abstract

The development of traditional tumor-targeted drug delivery systems based on EPR effect and receptor-mediated endocytosis is very challenging probably because of the biological complexity of tumors as well as the limitations in the design of the functional nano-sized delivery systems. Recently, multistage drug delivery systems (Ms-DDS) triggered by various specific tumor microenvironment stimuli have emerged for tumor therapy and imaging. In response to the differences in the physiological blood circulation, tumor microenvironment, and intracellular environment, Ms-DDS can change their physicochemical properties (such as size, hydrophobicity, or zeta potential) to achieve deeper tumor penetration, enhanced cellular uptake, timely drug release, as well as effective endosomal escape. Based on these mechanisms, Ms-DDS could deliver maximum quantity of drugs to the therapeutic targets including tumor tissues, cells, and subcellular organelles and eventually exhibit the highest therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we expatiate on various responsive modes triggered by the tumor microenvironment stimuli, introduce recent advances in multistage nanoparticle systems, especially the multi-stimuli responsive delivery systems, and discuss their functions, effects, and prospects.

Keywords: drug delivery systems, tumor microenvironment, multistage, stimuli-responsive, activatable nanoparticles


Citation styles

APA
Chen, B., Dai, W., He, B., Zhang, H., Wang, X., Wang, Y., Zhang, Q. (2017). Current Multistage Drug Delivery Systems Based on the Tumor Microenvironment. Theranostics, 7(3), 538-558. https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.16684.

ACS
Chen, B.; Dai, W.; He, B.; Zhang, H.; Wang, X.; Wang, Y.; Zhang, Q. Current Multistage Drug Delivery Systems Based on the Tumor Microenvironment. Theranostics 2017, 7 (3), 538-558. DOI: 10.7150/thno.16684.

NLM
Chen B, Dai W, He B, Zhang H, Wang X, Wang Y, Zhang Q. Current Multistage Drug Delivery Systems Based on the Tumor Microenvironment. Theranostics 2017; 7(3):538-558. doi:10.7150/thno.16684. https://www.thno.org/v07p0538.htm

CSE
Chen B, Dai W, He B, Zhang H, Wang X, Wang Y, Zhang Q. 2017. Current Multistage Drug Delivery Systems Based on the Tumor Microenvironment. Theranostics. 7(3):538-558.

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