Leveraging endogenous MMPs for drug delivery in the cancer environment

Exploiting MMP dysregulation in the tumor environment represents a logical next step in cancer treatment. Drug delivery systems that achieve MMP-responsive activation while reducing off-target effects and enhancing drug retention, circulation, or uptake are key to practical translation. Clinical realization of MMP-responsive delivery systems requires further refinement in protease selectivity, stability, and integration of other stimuli-responsive designs.