Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. However, limitations such as poor drug targeting, immune suppression, and systemic toxicity reduce its effectiveness. Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions to these challenges through the use of nanoparticles and nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery and immune modulation.

Nanoparticles such as liposomes, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles improve the delivery of immunotherapeutic agents including checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, cytokines, and gene therapies. These systems enhance drug stability, increase tumor-specific accumulation, and reduce adverse side effects. Nanotechnology also improves antigen presentation and activation of immune cells such as T-cells and dendritic cells.

Recent advancements in nano-based vaccines, gene delivery systems, and tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles have shown significant potential in improving therapeutic outcomes. Despite these advantages, challenges including toxicity, large-scale production, and regulatory approval remain.

This paper reviews the role of nanotechnology in cancer immunotherapy, its mechanisms, applications, advantages, limitations, and future prospects in modern cancer treatment.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Cancer Immunotherapy, Nanoparticles, Drug Delivery, Tumor Microenvironment, Nano-vaccines