Transvascular and Interstitial Transport in Tumors

Abstract

The advent of hybridoma technology and genetic engineering has led to a large scale production of monoclonal antibodies and other biologically useful molecules. Some of these molecules can bind to intra-or extracellular sites in tumors for detection and treatment, while others (e.g., lymphokines) have the ability to activate certain immune cells for killing cancer cells. Since these molecules or cells do not have the biological selectivity for tumors in vivo as previously envisioned, methods must be developed to deliver them selectively to the target in vivo. Since no molecule or cell can reach the tumor cells without passing through the vascular and interstitial compartments, it seems reasonable to find out more about the structure and function of these two compartments. In the past few years, we have focused our research on the experimental and mathematical characterization of transport through these spaces. I would like to share the results of some of these studies with you, and point out their implications for tumor growth, detection and treatment.