Towards extracellular matrix normalization for improved treatment of solid tumors.

ABSTRACT: It is currently challenging to eradicate cancer. In the case of solid tumors, the dense and aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major contributor to the heterogeneous distribution of small molecule drugs and nano-formulations, which makes certain areas of the tumor difficult to treat. As such, much research is devoted to characterizing this matrix and devising strategies to modify its properties as a means to facilitate the improved penetration of drugs and their nano-formulations. This contribution presents the current state of knowledge on the composition of normal ECM and changes to ECM that occur during the pathological progression of cancer. It also includes discussion of strategies designed to modify the composition/properties of the ECM as a means to enhance the penetration and

SUBMITTER: Abyaneh HS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6993244 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature