ABSTRACT
Metronomic chemotherapy, an innovative therapeutic strategy involving the frequent administration of low-dose chemotherapeutic agents, has gained significant attention in the field of cancer treatment. It has emerged as a promising approach that stems from its ability to deliver continuous, submaximal doses of chemotherapy drugs. Recent scientific investigations have elucidated the multifaceted anti-tumor effects of metronomic chemotherapy. This treatment approach not only directly targets rapidly proliferating tumor cells but also exerts anti-angiogenic effects by impeding neovascularization, thus restricting the formation of new blood vessels that facilitate tumor growth. Furthermore, metronomic chemotherapy demonstrates immunomodulatory properties, influencing the tumor microenvironment and facilitating immune cell activation, thereby enhancing immune-mediated anti-tumor responses. The cumulative impact of these mechanisms contributes to the overall therapeutic efficacy of metronomic chemotherapy across diverse cancer types. Clinical studies have provided compelling evidence supporting the effectiveness of metronomic chemotherapy in breast, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. Notably, combining metronomic chemotherapy with targeted therapies and immunotherapies has shown synergistic effects, resulting in improved patient outcomes. Such combinations capitalize on the complementary mechanisms of action, enhancing the individual efficacy of each treatment modality and potentially overcoming treatment resistance. The future of metronomic chemotherapy holds great promise. Ongoing investigations aim to optimize drug combinations, identify predictive biomarkers, and develop personalized treatment strategies. Furthermore, advancements in drug delivery systems and nanotechnology offer exciting opportunities to enhance the therapeutic efficiency and targeted delivery of metronomic chemotherapy agents. This chapter provides a concise summary of recent scientific investigations on metronomic chemotherapy and discusses its prospects.
