Targeting cancer with mRNA-lipid nanoparticles: key considerations and future prospects
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Updated: Jul 19, 2025
Using Lipid Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Chemically Modified mRNA into Mammalian Cells
Published on: June 10, 2022
Edo Kon1,2,3,4, Nitay Ad-El1,2,3,4, Inbal Hazan-Halevy1,2,3,4
1Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Abstract:
Harnessing mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to treat patients with cancer has been an ongoing research area that started before these versatile nanoparticles were successfully used as COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, efforts are underway to harness this platform for oncology therapeutics, mainly focusing on cancer vaccines targeting multiple neoantigens or direct intratumoural injections of mRNA-LNPs encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this Review, we describe the opportunities of using mRNA-LNPs in oncology applications and discuss the challenges for successfully translating the findings of preclinical studies of these nanoparticles into the clinic. We critically appraise the potential of various mRNA-LNP targeting and delivery strategies, considering physiological, technological and manufacturing challenges. We explore these approaches in the context of the potential clinical applications best suited to each approach and highlight the obstacles that currently need to be addressed to achieve these applications. Finally, we provide insights from preclinical and clinical studies that are leading to this powerful platform being considered the next frontier in oncology treatment.
Insights
Messenger RNA-lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) show promise for cancer treatment, moving beyond COVID-19 vaccines. This review explores opportunities and challenges in using mRNA-LNP technology for oncology therapeutics and clinical translation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Messenger RNA-lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) have emerged as a versatile platform, initially recognized for their success in COVID-19 vaccines.
- Research is actively exploring mRNA-LNP applications in oncology, focusing on cancer vaccines and direct tumor treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the opportunities and challenges of utilizing mRNA-LNPs in oncology.
- To critically evaluate mRNA-LNP targeting and delivery strategies for cancer treatment.
- To identify obstacles hindering clinical translation of mRNA-LNP-based oncology therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies on mRNA-LNP applications in cancer.
- Appraisal of various mRNA-LNP targeting and delivery strategies.
- Analysis of physiological, technological, and manufacturing challenges.
Main Results:
- mRNA-LNPs offer significant potential for cancer vaccines and direct intratumoral therapies.
- Various targeting and delivery strategies are being investigated for enhanced efficacy.
- Key challenges include physiological barriers, technological limitations, and manufacturing complexities.
Conclusions:
- mRNA-LNPs represent a promising frontier in oncology treatment.
- Addressing current obstacles is crucial for successful clinical translation of mRNA-LNP therapies.
- Further research and development are needed to fully realize the potential of mRNA-LNPs in cancer care.
