Emerging innovations in nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy

Cancer is characterized by a highly intricate pathophysiology and stands as a chief cause of mortality and illness globally. Traditional treatments for cancer such as chemotherapy, targeted & radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Despite their widespread use, these therapies have significant limitations. They often suffer from a lack of selectivity, resulting in non-targeted cytotoxic effects that harm healthy tissues. Moreover, these treatments frequently encounter challenges such as inadequate drug delivery to sites of tumor and the development of multidrug resistance, which collectively diminish their overall effectiveness and potency in combating cancer. Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly employed as a nanomedicine platform in cancer immunotherapy, thanks to their exceptional physicochemical characteristics, such as size, shape, and surface attributes. This manuscript explores the challenges posed by the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer treatment and presents innovative strategies utilizing nanomaterials-based formulations. The resistance of the TME, particularly its physical and immunosuppressive barriers, impedes the efficacy of conventional therapies. We discuss the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of nanomaterials within the TME, highlighting their role in modifying cancerimmunity phenotypes. The regulation of the TME is critical, with a focus on modulating tumor blood vessels and extravascular components to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the manuscript delves into the potential of nanomaterials-based immunotherapy, which can trigger the tumor-specific antigens release, facilitate their presentation, and prime T cells for effective anti-tumor responses. The integration of nanomaterialsbased delivery systems in combination immunotherapy is also explored, showcasing the synergy between nanomedicine and other therapeutic modalities, such as chemotherapy and gene therapy. This comprehensive review underscores the promise of nanomaterials in redefining cancer treatment by overcoming TME-associated resistance and improving immunotherapeutic efficacy.