Recent Advances in Nanomaterial-Based Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Abstract: Prostate Cancer (PCa) remains a global health concern, and recent advancements in nanomaterial- based immunotherapy are reshaping the landscape of its treatment. The advent of Prostate- Specific Antigen (PSA) screening had a significant impact on the PCa burden until the early 21st century, but the ongoing innovations in therapeutic approaches and early detection methods have contributed to a decline in mortality rates. This comprehensive review delves into the evolving role of the immune system in cancer, with a particular emphasis on the latest advances in nanomaterial- based immunotherapy for PCa. The review focuses on the burgeoning field of nanomaterial- based immunotherapy for PCa, particularly in the context of vaccine-based therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Recent developments in clinical trials highlight the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors, either as standalone treatments or in combination for metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC). We highlight ongoing clinical trials that explore PSMA-targeted CAR-T cells for mCRPC patients, offering valuable insights into the promising field of nanomaterial-based immunotherapy. The review also discusses nanomaterial-based vaccine treatments, such as Sipuleucel-T (Provenge®) and G-VAX. These work in different ways to boost the immune system's response to Tumor-Associated Antigens (TAAs). We also explore viral vector-based vaccines and gene therapy approaches, highlighting their potential to enhance the immune system's ability to target prostate cancer cells at the nanoscale. The article concludes with an in-depth discussion of the current and emerging nanomaterial-based biomarkers for PCa diagnosis and prognosis.