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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Nanoparticle Technology for Drug Delivery and Immunotherapy
Published on: November 10, 2023
Enhancing cancer immunotherapy with nanomedicine
Darrell J Irvine1,2,3,4,5, Eric L Dane6
1David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. djirvine@mit.edu.
Abstract:
Therapeutic targeting of the immune system in cancer is now a clinical reality and marked successes have been achieved, most notably through the use of checkpoint blockade antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. However, efforts to develop new immunotherapy agents or combination treatments to increase the proportion of patients who benefit have met with challenges of limited efficacy and/or significant toxicity. Nanomedicines - therapeutics composed of or formulated in carrier materials typically smaller than 100 nm - were originally developed to increase the uptake of chemotherapy agents by tumours and to reduce their off-target toxicity. Here, we discuss how nanomedicine-based treatment strategies are well suited to immunotherapy on the basis of nanomaterials' ability to direct immunomodulators to tumours and lymphoid organs, to alter the way biologics engage with target immune cells and to accumulate in myeloid cells in tumours and systemic compartments. We also discuss early efforts towards clinical translation of nanomedicine-based immunotherapy.
Insights
Nanomedicines offer a promising approach to enhance cancer immunotherapy by directing immune-modulating agents to tumors and improving their efficacy. This strategy aims to overcome current limitations in cancer treatment, increasing patient benefit.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy, including checkpoint blockade and CAR T-cell therapy, has shown clinical success.
- Current immunotherapies face challenges with limited efficacy and significant toxicity.
- Nanomedicines, materials <100 nm, were initially developed to improve chemotherapy delivery and reduce side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of nanomedicine-based strategies for advancing cancer immunotherapy.
- To discuss how nanomaterials can be leveraged to enhance the efficacy and safety of immunotherapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of nanomedicine properties and their application in directing immunomodulators.
- Analysis of how nanomaterials alter biologic interactions with immune cells.
- Discussion of nanomaterial accumulation in myeloid cells within tumors and systemically.
Main Results:
- Nanomaterials can effectively direct immunomodulators to tumors and lymphoid organs.
- Nanomedicines can modify the engagement of biologics with target immune cells.
- Nanomaterials demonstrate accumulation in myeloid cells, impacting tumor microenvironments and systemic immunity.
Conclusions:
- Nanomedicine-based strategies are well-suited to overcome current immunotherapy limitations.
- These approaches hold promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
- Early efforts in clinical translation of nanomedicine-based immunotherapy are underway.
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