Tumor-targeting drug delivery regimens based on vascular disrupting agents

Tumor blood vessels have always been a popular target for anti-tumor therapy, and several vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) with potent anti-tumor vascular functions have entered clinical trials. Although VDAs can selectively destroy immature tumor blood vessels, clinical trials have still observed dose-limiting toxicity, and the efficacy is not satisfactory. This article reviews small molecule prodrugs, polymer nanoparticles, and various tumor-targeted delivery systems based on VDAs, as well as the anti-tumor mechanisms of these delivery systems. In addition, the anti-tumor mechanisms of these delivery systems are discussed, along with the prospects and potential research directions for developing VDAs based on our current understanding.