Cascade strategy for glucose oxidase-based synergistic cancer therapy using nanomaterials

Nanomaterial-based cancer therapy faces significant limitations due to the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Starvation therapy is an emerging therapeutic approach that targets tumor cell metabolism using glucose oxidase (GOx). Importantly, it can provide a material or environmental foundation for other diverse therapeutic methods by manipulating the properties of the TME, such as acidity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, and hypoxia degree. In recent years, this cascade strategy has been extensively applied in nanoplatforms for ongoing synergetic therapy and still holds undeniable potential. However, only a few review articles comprehensively elucidate the rational designs of nanoplatforms for synergetic therapeutic regimens revolving around the conception of the cascade strategy. Therefore, this review focuses on innovative cascade strategies for GOx-based synergetic therapy from representative paradigms to state-of-the-art reports to provide an instructive, comprehensive, and insightful reference for readers. Thereafter, we discuss the remaining challenges and offer a critical perspective on the further advancement of GOx-facilitated cancer treatment toward clinical translation. Nanomaterial-based cancer therapy faces significant limitations due to the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Automated summary

Nanomaterial-based cancer therapy has limitations due to the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), but starvation therapy using glucose oxidase (GOx) shows potential for providing a foundation for other therapeutic methods by manipulating TME properties. This review comprehensively elucidates innovative cascade strategies for GOx-based synergetic therapy and discusses remaining challenges and the future of GOx-facilitated cancer treatment.