Biomimetic nanoparticles in gastrointestinal cancer therapy: Multimodal strategies, targeted delivery, and clinical perspectives

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including gastric, colorectal, liver, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers, represent a significant global health burden due to late diagnosis, drug resistance, and limited therapeutic efficacy. Biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as innovative drug carriers for targeted cancer therapy due to their enhanced biocompatibility and selective accumulation in tumor tissues, which can obviate challenges such as systemic toxicity and drug resistance. In this review, we have summarized the different biomimetic NPs, including cell membrane-coated NPs, metal-organic frameworks, and hybrid nanosystems, which integrate multiple therapeutic modalities such as photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene editing. Furthermore, the use of biomimetic NPs for dual-modality imaging, pH-sensitive drug release, and synergistic treatment strategies have also been highlighted, along with mechanisms such as mitochondrial targeting, ferroptosis induction, and immune modulation. Finally, we have discussed the current preclinical and clinical evidence on the efficacy and biosafety of these biomimetic NPs in cancer treatment, and emphasized their potential for personalized therapeutic approaches.