Nanotechnology between Immunity and Cancer Therapy: Novel Applications and Prospects

Abstract

Aims: This review highlights the new trends in the field of nanotechnology-based cancer immunotherapy, especially focusing on how nanoscale scaffolds regulate immune responses, genetic and chemotherapeutic cargo delivery, and enhance tumor-specific targeting with reduced systemic toxicity. Study Design: A literature review of peer-reviewed articles published in 2018-2025 in field of nanomedicine, immuno-oncology, and integrating theranostics. Place and Duration of Study: The review was conducted in the Department of Environmental Health, College of Energy and Environmental Sciences, Al-Karkh University of Science, Baghdad, Iraq, between January and September 2025. Methodology: A search was performed in electronic databases (PubMed, science direct, springer link, and Nature publishing group) using the combination of keywords: nanotechnology, immunotherapy, nanovaccines, immune checkpoint blockade and precision oncology. Articles underwent relevance checking by adhering to the nano-enabled immunomodulation, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and combination therapy strategies. Results: Nanoparticles like gold, liposomal, polymeric, and dendrimer systems have been shown to have strong immunomodulatory properties because they increase antigen presentation, reprogram tumor-associated macrophages, and work with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nanovaccines have an effective ability to deliver tumor antigens along with adjuvants to antigen-presenting cells, which trigger chronic cytotoxic T-cells. Moreover, the nanocarriers containing RNA and doxorubicin have two therapeutic effects in terms of targeted cytotoxicity and immunogenicity. Nanodesign and theranostic nanoplatforms based on artificial intelligence are progressing personalized cancer immunotherapy and real-time monitoring treatment. Conclusion: Nanotechnology offers an interface that is flexible and dynamic between immunity and oncology. Nano-immunotherapeutics will be a cornerstone of next-generation precision cancer therapy, providing targeted, synergistic, and patient-customized immunotherapy for cancer despite the difficulty of large-scale manufacturing and safety validation, and standardization by regulatory authorities.