The utilization of metal-organic frameworks in tumor-targeted drug delivery systems

Due to the non-specific distribution of drugs in the body and the low concentration at the tumor site in traditional chemotherapy, there are challenges associated with significant side effects and tumor resistance. Therefore, a drug delivery system (DDS) urgently needs to be developed that can precisely target tumors. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess advantageous characteristics derived from organic and inorganic materials, including small particle size, large specific surface area, high drug loading capacity, adjustable structure and pore size, as well as ease of modification. Consequently, MOFs offer unique advantages for designing active targeting, passive targeting, and stimulus-responsive targeting strategies and have become a hot topic of current research on tumor-targeted drug delivery systems. This review will elaborate on the application of MOFs in tumor-targeted drug delivery systems from the perspective of different targeting strategies. We hope that this paper can provide assistance for tumor-targeted therapy.