Paying attention to tumor blood vessels: Cancer phototherapy assisted with nano delivery strategies

Cancer phototherapy has attracted increasing attention for its promising effectiveness and relative noninvasiveness. Over the past years, tremendous efforts have been made to develop better phototherapy strategies with various nano delivery systems. This review introduces cancer phototherapy strategies based on tumor blood vessels for improved therapeutic outcomes from the angle of direct tumor destruction and improved delivery process assisted with nano delivery designs. Latest directions and ideas of cancer phototherapy with translation potential are also discussed. Focusing on the double role of tumor vessels not only as an anti-tumor target but also as part of the delivery process, we highlight the crosstalk between photo-induced extensive effects and the complicated drug delivery process. Due to the heterogeneity of tumors, deeper investigations about the interconnection between tumor vessels and cancer phototherapy remain to be carried out. More delicate and intelligent nano delivery systems are expected to help realize the full potential of this therapeutic strategy.

Automated summary

This review discusses cancer phototherapy strategies based on tumor blood vessels, emphasizing the dual role of tumor vessels as both anti-tumor targets and part of the delivery process. It highlights the interplay between photo-induced extensive effects and the complicated drug delivery process, as well as the need for further research on the interconnection between tumor vessels and cancer phototherapy. More sophisticated and intelligent nano delivery systems are expected to maximize the potential of this therapeutic strategy.