Up-conversion Nanoparticles with Drugs Target the Tumor Microenvironment

Abstract

The internal environment in which cancer cells develop and persist is referred to as the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer cells interact with the microenvironment, leading to further cell proliferation and migration. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have been shown in trials that can target and improve the tumor microenvironment. Up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) can exploit the properties of the tumor microenvironment for precise targeting while preventing the premature release of their loaded medications. In this overview, we review any existing research results on the targeting of tumor microenvironment by Traditional Chinese medicines and Up-conversion nanoparticles in recent years. We discuss the possibilities and advantages of combining Traditional Chinese medicines with Up-conversion nanoparticles and summarize their current unresolved issues.