Nanoparticle Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Immunotherapy and Tumor Microenvironment Modulation

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy, offering enhanced targeting, controlled release, and the ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). These nanoparticles, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, can be engineered to encapsulate therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapy drugs, immune modulators, and cytokines, and deliver them specifically to tumor cells. The manipulation of the TME, including the regulation of immune cell infiltration, hypoxic conditions, and extracellular matrix remodeling, is essential for overcoming the immune evasion mechanisms of tumors. By utilizing nanoparticles, the systemic toxicity of conventional therapies can be reduced while improving therapeutic efficacy. This chapter explores various nanoparticle platforms, including liposomes, dendrimers, micelles, and inorganic nanoparticles, highlighting their role in enhancing the immune response, promoting tumor-targeted delivery, and improving patient outcomes in cancer immunotherapy. The challenges in clinical translation, including particle design optimization, immunogenicity, and scaling, are discussed alongside the future perspectives for advancing these systems.