Enhancement of EPR Effect for Passive Tumor Targeting: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect is a key mechanism for passive tumor targeting, which involves the selective accumulation of therapeutic nanoparticles in tumors due to their unique vascular characteristics. While previous reviews have explored this phenomenon, the present review offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, highlighting recent advancements in strategies to enhance the EPR effect, as well as novel insights into the role of tumor microenvironment heterogeneity and the multifaceted approaches to overcome EPR-related challenges. This review provides a detailed analysis of the latest developments in nanocarriers’ design, including size, shape, and surface modifications, as well as cutting-edge multi-stage drug delivery systems. Furthermore, the integration of physical, pharmacological, and combinatory therapies to optimize the EPR effect is also discussed, aiming to improve the clinical translation of nanomedicines. Unlike other reviews, this work emphasizes the dynamic interaction between the tumor microenvironment and the vascular network, which remains underexplored in the current literature. In addition, specific clinical trials’ outcomes are highlighted and future directions to address existing limitations are proposed, offering a clearer roadmap regarding clinical applications in cancer therapy.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app15063189
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4408423243