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Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
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Combating cancer immunotherapy resistance: a nano-medicine perspective

Xiangyi Kong1,2, Xintong Xie2, Juan Wu1

  • 1Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China.

Cancer Communications (London, England)
|April 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) overcome cancer immunotherapy resistance by targeting tumors and modulating the immune response. This nanotechnology approach holds significant potential for advancing cancer treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Cancer immunotherapy shows promise but faces resistance due to cancer cell evasion mechanisms.
  • Tumor microenvironment (TME) conditions often suppress anti-cancer immune responses.
  • Nanoparticles (NPs) offer targeted delivery and immune modulation capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline how functionalized nanoparticles counteract cancer immunotherapy resistance.
  • To detail the mechanisms and signal transduction pathways involved.
  • To review current clinical trials and future potential of NP-based immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on functionalized nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Analysis of NP physicochemical properties and their impact on immune cells and TME.
  • Summary of NP-mediated strategies to enhance anti-cancer immunity.
  • Compilation of data from ongoing clinical trials.

Main Results:

  • Functionalized NPs, engineered with specific compounds, can target cancer cells and the TME.
  • NPs enhance antigen presentation, immune cell activation/infiltration, and induce immunogenic cell death.
  • NPs effectively counteract immunosuppressive factors within the TME.
  • Current clinical trials demonstrate the feasibility and potential of NP-based immunotherapies.

Conclusions:

  • Functionalized nanoparticles represent a promising strategy to overcome cancer immunotherapy resistance.
  • Nanotechnology offers innovative approaches to enhance immune responses against cancer.
  • Further development and clinical translation of NP-based immunotherapies are warranted.
Keywords:
Cancer immunotherapydrug delivery systemdrug resistancenanomedicine

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