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CFP - Special Issue

The EPR effect and beyond: Strategies to improve tumor targeting and nanomedicine efficacy

Guest editors:

Yang Shi (RWTH Aachen University)
Email:

Roy van der Meel (Eindhoven University of Technology)
Email:

Twan Lammers (RWTH Aachen University)
Email:

Xiaoyuan (Shawn) Chen (NIBIB/NIH)
Email:

This special issue will cover studies that deal with nanomedicine-based tumor targeting via the ERP effect, as well as approaches to enhance the efficacy of cancer nanomedicine. While impressive preclinical results are increasingly reported with nanomedicine formulations, their clinical translation has remained to be challenging. To increase cancer nanomedicines’ impact, we need to improve our understanding of the EPR effect, of how nanomedicines behave in the body and how they interact with the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment. In addition, strategies are needed to improve the effectiveness of nanomedicine therapy, e.g. via the integration of non-invasive imaging for patient selection, via pharmacological and physical co-treatments to prime tumors for improved delivery and efficacy, via active targeting, via the use of multi-stage and/or stimuli-responsive nanocarrier materials, and via the development of nanoformulations that synergize with immunotherapy.

The topics that will be addressed in this theme issue will include, but will not be limited to:

EPR effect variability and tumor heterogeneity
Tumor microenvironment modification (chemical, biological, mechanical)
Nano-combination therapies
Nano-bio interactions (PEG dilemma, protein corona, MPS)
Natural and biomimetic delivery systems (EVs, cell membrane-coated carriers)
Stimuli-responsive nanomedicine (internal and external)
Multistage delivery systems to improve tumor penetration
Quantitative in vivo imaging of nanomedicines
Nanomedicine biomarkers (companion diagnostics, theranostics)
Immunomodulatory nanomedicines

Research and review articles will be considered. For more information on the journal and its style, please refer to “Instructions for Authors” at http://thno.org/ms/author. All the invited and contributed manuscripts will undergo the standard peer-review procedure of the Journal “Theranostics”, and will be scrutinized by the guest editor(s) and at least two additional expert reviewers in the field. The deadline for full manuscript submission is set for June 1st, 2019 and the first decision will conclude within 6 weeks from submission after peer-review process.

Manuscripts for the special issue should be submitted online at http://www.thno.org/ms/submit (mark "The EPR effect and beyond: Strategies to improve tumor targeting and nanomedicine efficacy Special Issue" in the "Suggested reviewers" field to identify the paper).

All inquiries should be sent to the guest editor(s) at the above email address.