Cancer nanomedicine meets immunotherapy: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Cancer nanomedicines have shown promise in combination immunotherapy, thus far mostly preclinically but also already in clinical trials. Combining nanomedicines with immunotherapy aims to reinforce the cancer-immunity cycle, via potentiating key steps in the immune reaction cascade, namely antigen release, antigen processing, antigen presentation, and immune cell-mediated killing. Combination nano-immunotherapy can be realized via three targeting strategies, i.e., by targeting cancer cells, targeting the tumor immune microenvironment, and targeting the peripheral immune system. The clinical potential of nano-immunotherapy has recently been demonstrated in a phase III trial in which nano-albumin paclitaxel (Abraxane®) was combined with atezolizumab (Tecentriq®) for the treatment of patients suffering from advanced triple-negative breast cancer. In the present paper, besides strategies and initial (pre)clinical success stories, we also discuss several key challenges in nano-immunotherapy. Taken together, nanomedicines combined with immunotherapy are gaining significant attention, and it is anticipated that they will play an increasingly important role in clinical cancer therapy.

Opening doors with ultrasound and microbubbles: Beating biological barriers to promote drug delivery

“…Unfortunately, the tumor environment of preclinical murine cancer models using fast growing xenografts differs from that of slow growing tumors that are mostly found in humans. This could explain the huge differences in terms of blood vessels organization [291,340]. In particular, the composition of the ECM found in human tumors is much thicker and denser to the ECM of in preclinical murine models [293,341].…”

Recent Advancements in Nanomedicine for ‘Cold’ Tumor Immunotherapy

“…In recent years, as the rapid development of medical test and diagnostic procedures, there has been an increasing number of voices calling for treating cancer patients with precision medicine based on the specificity of TIME characteristics [ 53 ]. Meanwhile, various nanomaterials have been developed in accordance with the healthcare requirements.…”

“…In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying immunosuppressive TIME in cold tumors and address recent advancements in nanomedicine for cold TIME reversal-based therapies, as well as the feasibility of clinical translation of nanomedicine for immunotherapy. In recent years, as the rapid development of medical test and diagnostic procedures, there has been an increasing number of voices calling for treating cancer patients with precision medicine based on the specificity of TIME characteristics [53]. Meanwhile, various nanomaterials have been developed in accordance with the healthcare requirements.…”

Endogenous Stimuli‐Activatable Nanomedicine for Immune Theranostics for Cancer

“…[165] A practical strategy for combating immune resistance is to perform combinatory immunotherapy with nanomedicine. [166] The combination therapy can expand the treatment range of traditional nanomedicine, especially for advanced and metastatic malignant tumors. [167] Also, the cure rate can be improved without increasing the administration dose of chemotherapeutic drugs, thereby reducing side effects.…”