#6 Nanoparticles Reprogram the Tumor Microenvironment in Liver Cancer
Oncology Advancements: Top 10 of 2022
When used in combination with an immune checkpoint blockade, the p53 mRNA nanoparticle technology not only induced suppression of tumor growth but also significantly increased antitumor immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) laboratory models[1].
Why is this significant?
This approach targets specific pathways in tumor cells with nanoparticles, thus demonstrating the ability to reprogram the tumor microenvironment. These tiny particles provide the cells with the instructions to build proteins, which, in the case of HCC, delayed tumor growth and rendered the tumor more responsive to treatment with immunotherapy.
How is a Nanoparticle used in Cancer?
The advent of nanotechnology has revolutionized the arena of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nanoparticles (1–100 nm) can be used to treat cancer due to their specific advantages such as biocompatibility, reduced toxicity, more stability, enhanced permeability, retention effect and precise targeting. The nanoparticle drug delivery system is particular and utilizes tumor and tumor environment characteristics. Nanoparticles not only solve the limitations of conventional cancer treatment but also overcome multidrug resistance. This renders responsiveness to immunotherapy drugs.
