Nanotechnology-based immunotherapy, an emerging paradigm in breast cancer therapeutics

Pratik Chakraborty1, Hiranmoy Bhattacharya1, Saikat Dewanjee1

  • 1Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India.

PubMed

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer currently. The conventional modalities employed in the management of breast cancer include mainly chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The enhanced comprehension of the complex pathobiology of breast cancer has resulted in the emergence of immunotherapy as a highly auspicious therapeutic approach. Immunotherapy involves the stimulation of the immune system of the patients to recognize and eliminate cancerous cells selectively. It involves the primary molecular constituents of neoplastic tissue, presenting a potentially novel therapeutic strategy. Comprehending the intricate interplay between neoplastic cells and immunological components is of paramount importance in the pursuit of devising efficacious therapeutic interventions. Immunotherapy, in addition to eliminating tumors, can also impede metastasis and cancer recurrence. Implementation of immunotherapy in clinical settings has encountered certain constraints, such as weak immune responses arising from insufficient delivery of immunomodulators to the desired site, and unregulated modulation of the immune system, leading to the development of autoimmunity and non-specific inflammation. Nanomedicines offer a remarkable promise to maximize the efficiency of immunotherapeutic approaches and significantly lower the unwanted effects. The present article discusses the latest developments in breast cancer immunotherapy involving nanotechnology. These advancements encompass a range of approaches, including the direct stimulation of the immune system via the administration of tumor antigens and adjuvants, the modification of tumor microenvironments, and integration with other modes of therapy.

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