How Advanced are Cancer Immuno-Nanotherapeutics? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Abstract

Cancer is a broad term for a group of diseases involving uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. There is no cure for cancer despite recent significant improvements in screening, treatment, and prevention approaches. Among the available treatments, immunotherapy has been successful in targeting and killing cancer cells by stimulating or enhancing the body's immune system. Antibody-based immunotherapeutic agents that block immune checkpoint proteins expressed by cancer cells have shown promising results. The rapid development of nanotechnology has contributed to improving the effectiveness and reducing the adverse effects of these anti-cancer immunotherapeutic agents. Recently, engineered nanomaterials have been the focus of many state-of-The-art approaches toward effective cancer treatment. In this review, the contribution of various nanomaterials such as polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, microspheres, and carbon nanomaterials in improving the efficiency of anti-cancer immunotherapy is discussed as well as nanostructures applied to combination cancer immunotherapy.

Revolutionizing anti-tumor therapy: unleashing the potential of B cell-derived exosomes

“…In the past decade, immune cells have gained significant attention in TME research due to their capacity to regulate tumor growth ( 16 ). Despite incomplete comprehension of the role of B cells in cancer research, their heterogeneity has been demonstrated as indispensable in the TME ( 17 ).…”

Multimodal Golden DNA Superstructures (GDSs) for Highly Efficient Photothermal Immunotherapy

“…27,29,30 However, selecting cancer antigens is challenging due to the heterogeneity of individual cancers, and many cancer antigens lack immune activation ability. 26,28,31 Consequently, various methods are being explored for cancer immunotherapy including thermal immunotherapy, which has shown promise in achieving efficient cancer therapy. 32−34 Inorganic nanoparticles have been widely used due to their ability to generate thermal effects.…”

“…Recently, advanced cancer therapies have gained traction as an alternative to traditional treatment methods . Immunotherapy against cancer, in particular, is garnering attention for its ability to use the body’s immune cells to eradicate cancer cells. − By activating dendritic cells (DCs) against cancer antigens, immunotherapy can elicit antigen-specific T cell immunity, which selectively kills cancer cells expressing the antigen .…”

“…Recently, advanced cancer therapies have gained traction as an alternative to traditional treatment methods . Immunotherapy against cancer, in particular, is garnering attention for its ability to use the body’s immune cells to eradicate cancer cells. − By activating dendritic cells (DCs) against cancer antigens, immunotherapy can elicit antigen-specific T cell immunity, which selectively kills cancer cells expressing the antigen . Additionally, activated T cells can remember antigens, which may inhibit metastasis and recurrence. ,, However, selecting cancer antigens is challenging due to the heterogeneity of individual cancers, and many cancer antigens lack immune activation ability. ,, Consequently, various methods are being explored for cancer immunotherapy including thermal immunotherapy, which has shown promise in achieving efficient cancer therapy. − Inorganic nanoparticles have been widely used due to their ability to generate thermal effects. − However, the availability of biocompatible and safe inorganic nanoparticles remains limited, and the high local concentration of these nanoparticles is also crucial for achieving an efficient thermal effect.…”

Nanomedicine-induced cell pyroptosis to enhance antitumor immunotherapy

“…The most recent advancements in this field are noteworthy. 53 Specifically, nanomedicine-induced pyroptosis has attracted considerable attention as an efficacious approach to antitumor immunotherapy. 54 The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive and detailed account of the latest advancements in this emerging field (Table 1).…”