Interaction of nanodrug delivery systems via fibroblasts in colorectal cancer

Wang W, Li M, Liu Y, Weigmann B (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery Informa Healthcare

DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2025.2593979

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer mortality, with poor outcomes driven by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Heterogeneous cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), suppress immunity, and secrete cytokines that promote progression and resistance. As both barriers and therapeutic targets, CAFs are central to strategies aimed at overcoming treatment limitations in CRC. Areas covered: We examine how CAF heterogeneity, with predominantly pro-tumorigenic but occasionally tumor-restraining functions, contributes to drug delivery resistance. This review highlights nanodrug delivery systems that integrate CAF targeting as a promising strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Approaches include passive and active targeting of ECM degradation to improve drug penetration, advanced carriers for CAF reprogramming, CAF markers, and multifunctional platforms combining chemo- and immunotherapy. Literature was identified through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov searches up to September 2025, focusing on CAF biology, nanodrug delivery, and CRC translation. Expert opinion: CAF-targeted nanodrug delivery offers a transformative opportunity to address long-standing barriers in CRC therapy. Future advances will depend on the integration of multi-omics CAF subtyping, rational combination regimens, and clinically scalable nanocarriers to translate these strategies into a lasting clinical benefit.

Authors with CRIS profile

Mingrui Li Department of Medicine 1 – Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology Ying Liu Department of Medicine 1 – Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology Benno Weigmann Department of Medicine 1 – Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology

Involved external institutions

Tianjin Medical University (TMU) / 天津医科大学 CN China (CN)

How to cite

APA:

Wang, W., Li, M., Liu, Y., & Weigmann, B. (2025). Interaction of nanodrug delivery systems via fibroblasts in colorectal cancer. Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery. https://doi.org/10.1080/17425247.2025.2593979

MLA:

Wang, Wenpeng, et al. "Interaction of nanodrug delivery systems via fibroblasts in colorectal cancer." Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery (2025).

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