Recent development in biodegradable nanovehicle delivery system-assisted immunotherapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanotechnology
• Immunology

Background:

• Immunotherapy, which harnesses the patient's immune system, is a rapidly advancing field in cancer treatment.
• Nanovehicle delivery systems (NDSs) enhance immunotherapy by ensuring targeted drug release and preventing premature leakage.
• Nondegradable NDSs accumulate in organs like the liver and spleen, causing toxicity and side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the design and mechanisms of biodegradable nanovehicle delivery systems (BNDSs) for cancer immunotherapy.
• To categorize BNDSs based on their material type and characteristics.
• To discuss the challenges and future directions for BNDSs in clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advancements in BNDS research.
• Categorization of BNDSs into polymers, lipid-based materials, inorganic nanomaterials, biomacromolecules, hybrid materials, and others.
• Analysis of degradation mechanisms triggered by internal or external stimuli (enzymes, irradiation, temperature, pH, redox potential).

Main Results:

• BNDSs are designed for controlled degradation at the target site via specific stimuli.
• Various categories of BNDSs demonstrate potential for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment.
• The review categorizes BNDSs, providing a comprehensive overview of their types and properties.

Conclusions:

• BNDSs represent a significant advancement in cancer immunotherapy, offering reduced toxicity compared to nondegradable counterparts.
• The targeted degradation of BNDSs minimizes accumulation in vital organs, addressing safety concerns.
• Further research into BNDSs holds promise for enhanced clinical efficacy and broader applications in cancer treatment.