Recent advances in nanoparticles-based photothermal therapy synergizing with immune checkpoint blockade therapy

Abstract

Several breakthroughs have been achieved in anti-tumor immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy in the past decade. Despite the considerable therapeutic effects, ICB is still limited by the low benefit rates and severe systemic toxicity. Pre-clinical studies have shown that photothermal therapy (PTT) mediated by nanoparticles (NPs) can counterbalance the drawbacks of ICB therapy and produce synergistic anti-tumor effects. NPs offer several advantages such as increased tumor-targeting ability, high drug-loading capacity and satisfying biocompatibility. Therefore, combining NPs-based PTT and ICB therapy can achieve a better outcome against tumors, and even prevent metastatic and recurrence by inducing immune memory. Here, we have discussed the current progress in ICB therapy and NPs-based PTT, along with the pre-clinical trials on PTT/ICB combinational therapy. The synthesis and mechanisms of different photothermal NPs have also been summarized. Moreover, the current challenges, deficiencies and future improvement of this novel treatment modality have been analyzed.