Research advances in nanomedicine, immunotherapy, and combination therapy for leukemia.

Abstract

In the past decade, clinical and laboratory studies have led to important new insights into the biology of leukemia and its treatment. This review describes the progress of leukemia research in the United States in recent years. Whereas the traditional method of treatment is chemotherapy, it is nonselective and could induce systemic toxicities. Thus, in parallel with research on new chemotherapies, great emphasis has been placed on developing immunotherapies. Here, we will review the current immunotherapies available in research and development that overcome current challenges, specifically looking in the field of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, checkpoint inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates. With about 100 clinical trials for CAR-T therapies and 30 in checkpoint inhibitors for leukemia treatment, scientists are trying to make these technologies cheaper, faster, and more feasible. Further describing the delivery of these therapeutics, we look at the current progress, clinical, and preclinical status of nano-based medicines such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, and metal nanoparticles. Taking advantage of their physicochemical and biologic properties, nanoparticles have been shown to increase the efficacy of commonly administered chemotherapies with reduced adverse effects.