Engineering nanoparticles to reprogram radiotherapy and immunotherapy: recent advances and future challenges.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanotechnology
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• Nanoparticles (NPs) are explored for radiosensitization, utilizing high-atomic-number materials or radiosensitizing agents.
• Cancer immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint regulation, shows promise for improving clinical outcomes.
• NPs serve as platforms for delivering immunomodulators, leveraging the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect for targeted delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest advancements in nanotechnology for radiotherapy (RT).
• To highlight progress in nanotechnology for cancer immunotherapy.
• To explore the combination of nanotechnology, RT, and immunotherapy for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on nanoparticles in radiosensitization and immunotherapy.
• Analysis of NP-mediated delivery of radiosensitizing agents and immunomodulators.
• Examination of the EPR effect in targeted NP delivery.

Main Results:

• Nanoparticles can enhance radiotherapy efficacy through radiosensitization.
• Modified NPs can improve the targeting and retention of antibodies in cancer cells.
• Combining nanotechnology with RT and immunotherapy offers a synergistic approach to cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Nanomedicine is an effective strategy for enhancing radiotherapy outcomes.
• Nanotechnology can significantly improve the response to cancer immunotherapy.
• The combined approach of nanomedicine, RT, and immunotherapy holds potential for clinical transformation in cancer treatment.