Polymer/Lipid-Based Nanocomplexes in Cancer Immunotherapy

Polymer and lipid-based nanocomplexes have emerged as a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy. This provides an overview of the application of nanotechnology in delivering therapeutic agents for cancer immunotherapy, focusing on its potential to enhance the efficacy and specificity of treatment. Cancer immunotherapy aims to harness the body’s immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. However, the success of immunotherapy relies on the efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the tumour site while minimizing off-target effects. Nanotechnology offers unique advantages in this regard, as it allows for precise control over drug release, targeting, and bioavailability. Different types of nanocarrier(s) can encapsulate various immunotherapeutic agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, and cytokines deliver them to the tumour microenvironment. By encapsulating these agents, nanoparticles protect them from degradation, enhance their stability, and enable controlled release at the tumour site. Furthermore, nanotechnology enables the functionalization of nanocarrier(s) with targeting ligands, such as antibodies or peptides, which can specifically recognize and bind to cancer cells or immune cells. This targeted delivery approach enhances the accumulation of therapeutic agents at the tumour site, minimizing systemic toxicity and improving treatment efficacy. Moreover, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems can overcome biological barriers and enhance the penetration of therapeutic agents into tumour tissues. This capability allows for the effective delivery of immunotherapeutic agents to previously inaccessible sites, expanding the potential applications of cancer immunotherapy. This chapter focused on the opportunities and challenges in cancer immunotherapy and various strategies used in cancer immunotherapy such as monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint blockers, cytokines, and cancer vaccines. It also encompasses the applications of nanotechnology in cancer immunotherapy.