Immune checkpoint blocking in cancer therapy using thermosensitive hydrogels: a review
Vahid Tayebi-Khorrami1, Mohammad Reza Fadaei1, Shiva Fallahianshafiei2
1Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg'S Archives of Pharmacology
|May 2, 2025
Summary
New thermosensitive hydrogels offer a promising approach for delivering immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) directly to tumors. This localized cancer therapy aims to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cancer treatment faces challenges requiring novel strategies.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) harness the immune system against cancer.
- Current ICI delivery methods face limitations like resistance and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in cancer immunotherapy using immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs).
- To explore the application of thermosensitive polymers in cancer therapy.
- To discuss the use of thermosensitive polymers for localized ICB delivery.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on ICBs and thermosensitive polymers.
- Analysis of thermosensitive polymer properties and their interaction with aqueous media.
- Examination of studies utilizing thermosensitive polymers for ICB delivery in cancer.
Main Results:
- Thermosensitive hydrogels exhibit sol-gel transitions responsive to temperature (critical solution temperature).
- These polymers form hydrogen bonds, enabling temperature-dependent phase changes.
- Localized delivery of ICBs via thermosensitive polymers shows potential for sustained therapy.
Conclusions:
- Thermosensitive polymers offer a promising platform for localized cancer immunotherapy.
- This approach may enhance therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic toxicity.
- Further research into thermosensitive polymer-based ICB delivery is warranted.
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