Nanomaterial-Based Strategies for Preventing Tumor Metastasis by Interrupting the Metastatic Biological Processes.

Tumor metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. The prevention of tumor metastasis has garnered notable interest and interrupting metastatic biological processes is considered a potential strategy for preventing tumor metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and pre-metastatic niche (PMN) play crucial roles in metastatic biological processes. These processes can be interrupted using nanomaterials due to their excellent physicochemical properties. However, most studies have focused on only one aspect of tumor metastasis. Here, we highlight the hypothesis that nanomaterials can be used to target metastatic biological processes and explore strategies to prevent tumor metastasis. First, we briefly summarized the metastatic biological processes and strategies involving nanomaterials acting on the TME, CTCs, and PMN to prevent tumor metastasis. Further, we discussed the current challenges and prospects of nanomaterials in preventing tumor metastasis by interrupting metastatic biological processes. Nanomaterial-and multifunctional nanomaterial-based strategies for preventing tumor metastasis are advantageous for the long-term fight against tumor metastasis and their continued exploration will facilitate rapid progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tumor metastasis. We have outlined novel perspectives for developing more effective strategies to prevent tumor metastasis, thereby improving the outcomes of patients with cancer. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.