Polymer Nanoparticles for Cancer Immunotherapy: Preparation Methods and Applications

Abstract

The use of cancer immunotherapy has considerably revolutionized cancer treatment by leveraging the immune system’s capacity to specifically target and eliminate malignant cells. However, the field still faces several ongoing challenges, including poor tumor invasion, immune resistance, and off-target effects. The targeted administration of immunotherapeutics using polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) has been shown to increase both efficacy and specificity. In this review, we discuss the cutting-edge technology of PNPs to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. This paper summarizes the steps in designing and developing PNPs for the targeted delivery of immune modulators, antigens, and other bioactive compounds. It also discusses the current challenges in immunotherapy and explores the mechanisms by which PNPs enhance therapeutic outcomes. Tumor microenvironment modifications, immunological activation, and prolonged release of therapeutic agents are described, highlighting the successes of PNPs in cancer treatment are highlighted.