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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Nanoparticle Technology for Drug Delivery and Immunotherapy
Published on: November 10, 2023
Stimuli-responsive nanoparticle-assisted immunotherapy: a new weapon against solid tumours
Biagio De Angelis1, Nicoletta Depalo2, Francesca Petronella3
1Department of Onco-Haematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Although significant improvements in cancer treatment have led to a longer survival period, the death rate of patients with solid tumours has not changed during the last decades. Most researchers are currently concentrating on defining the mechanisms of the different resistance pathways activated by tumour cells; meanwhile, the role of limited drug distribution within tumours has been neglected. The application of nanotechnology in medicine offers unexplored opportunities for realizing a new generation of anticancer therapies that can overcome the physical hindrances that characterize solid tumours. Indeed, surface-engineered nanoparticles (NPs) (both organic and inorganic) have been used as powerful tools in cancer therapy. Particularly, Au NPs have been utilized to develop a new drug-free treatment, photo-thermal therapy (PTT), due to their stimuli-responsive properties. PTT combined with immunotherapy represents a major breakthrough in the fight against malignant solid tumours. In this review, we provide a complete overview of the synergistic approaches based on PTT and immunotherapy, considering the selection, design, and functionalization of the NPs and their thermo-optical properties, moving to in vivo studies and finally to clinical trial applications in patients suffering from solid tumours.
Insights
Nanoparticles offer new cancer therapies by overcoming drug distribution limits in solid tumors. Combining photothermal therapy (PTT) with immunotherapy shows promise for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Solid tumors present challenges in cancer treatment due to limited drug distribution.
- Established cancer therapies have not significantly reduced mortality rates for solid tumors.
- Nanotechnology offers novel strategies to overcome physical barriers in solid tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review synergistic approaches combining photothermal therapy (PTT) and immunotherapy for solid tumors.
- To explore the role of surface-engineered nanoparticles (NPs) in advanced cancer treatment.
- To highlight the potential of drug-free treatments like PTT in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on nanoparticle-based cancer therapies.
- Analysis of NP selection, design, and functionalization for PTT.
- Evaluation of thermo-optical properties of NPs for therapeutic applications.
- Examination of in vivo studies and clinical trial data.
Main Results:
- Surface-engineered nanoparticles, particularly gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), enable drug-free PTT.
- PTT leverages stimuli-responsive properties for targeted cancer treatment.
- Combination of PTT with immunotherapy presents a significant advancement against solid tumors.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle-based PTT, especially when combined with immunotherapy, offers a promising therapeutic strategy for solid tumors.
- Further research and clinical translation of these synergistic approaches are warranted.
- Overcoming drug distribution limitations through nanotechnology is crucial for improving cancer survival rates.
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