Tailoring nanoparticle designs to target cancer based on tumor pathophysiology

TLDR

Nanotechnology promises improved cancer diagnosis and treatment with fewer side effects, yet the optimal nanoparticle size, shape, or surface chemistry for tumor targeting remains unclear. Our results demonstrate that tumor pathophysiology and volume affect nanoparticle targeting, and that tailoring designs to individual tumors can enhance targeting by more than 50%, supporting a move toward personalized nanomedicine.

Abstract

Significance Nanotechnology is a promising approach for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment with reduced side effects. A key question that has emerged is: What is the ideal nanoparticle size, shape, or surface chemistry for targeting tumors? Here, we show that tumor pathophysiology and volume can significantly impact nanoparticle targeting. This finding presents a paradigm shift in nanomedicine away from identifying and using a universal nanoparticle design for cancer detection and treatment. Rather, our results suggest that future clinicians will be capable of tailoring nanoparticle designs according to the patient's tumor characteristics. This concept of “personalized nanomedicine” was tested for detection of prostate tumors and was successfully demonstrated to improve nanoparticle targeting by over 50%.