Nanoparticles in Cancer Immunotherapy: Promises and Challenges

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as versatile platforms in cancer immunotherapy, offering targeted delivery, immune modulation, and improved safety profiles. These nanoscale materials can be engineered to co-deliver tumor antigens, adjuvants, and checkpoint inhibitors, thereby enhancing immune system activation against malignant cells. This review explores recent advances in nanoparticle-based immunotherapeutic strategies, highlighting their ability to overcome biological barriers, enhance antigen presentation, and reduce off-target effects. Despite significant progress, challenges remain concerning nanoparticle biodistribution, immunotoxicity, regulatory approval, and scalability. Addressing these barriers through rational design and translational research will be critical in achieving clinical success for nanoparticle-driven cancer immunotherapies.