Computational Analysis of Nanocarriers in the Tumor Microenvironment for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is currently treated by surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, these latest treatments are highly aggressive, with side effects that affect the patient’s quality of life. The scientific union has been investigating other more favorable alternatives, such as targeted therapy, which seeks greater selectivity in the type of target cells. This type of treatment can significantly reduce side effects in the patient. The goal of this research is to computationally visualize the behavior of nanocarriers in the colon tumor microenvironment, as well as their capacity for deepening, selective coupling and differentiating between healthy and cancerous tissue. A group of histological samples of cancerous tissue was selected, based on morphological criteria and the stage of the disease. This was used to elaborate 2D and 3D models to study different cases using artificial vision and computer simulation techniques. The results indicated velocities of the nanocarriers that reached values between 1.40 and 8.69×10−7ms for a time of 3.88 h, with a vectorized deposition efficiency of 1.0 to 4.46%. In addition, selective mating events were achieved at a maximum depth of 4.68 × 10−4 m. This scientific knowledge can contribute to the estimation of the efficacy of the treatment, as well as the assessment for different dosage levels and frequency of drug administration from the studies carried out on the lesion.