Development of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cancer Gene Therapy: A Comprehensive Review

Figure 2

The enhanced permeability retention effect (EPR) in a scenario of magnetic nanoparticle-based cancer therapy. Due to the weak tumor vasculature, nanoparticles are able to permeate the tumor microenvironment, although clearance organs and the reticuloendothelial system (RES) eliminate most. Polymers/moieties endow nanoparticles with stealth and specificity and thus with RES-evading capacity; nanoparticle concentration in tumor tissue consequently increases. This nanoparticle accumulation in targeted tissue further increases as an external magnetic field is applied.