Symphony of nanomaterials and immunotherapy based on the cancer-immunity cycle

The immune system is involved in the initiation and progression of cancer. Research on cancer and immunity has contributed to the development of several clinically successful immunotherapies. These immunotherapies often act on a single step of the cancer-immunity cycle. In recent years, the discovery of new nanomaterials has dramatically expanded the functions and potential applications of nanomaterials. In addition to acting as drug-delivery platforms, some nanomaterials can induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of cancer cells or regulate the profile and strength of the immune response as immunomodulators. Based on their versatility, nanomaterials may serve as an integrated platform for multiple drugs or therapeutic strategies, simultaneously targeting several steps of the cancer-immunity cycle to enhance the outcome of anticancer immune response. To illustrate the critical roles of nanomaterials in cancer immunotherapies based on cancer-immunity cycle, this review will comprehensively describe the crosstalk between the immune system and cancer, and the current applications of nanomaterials, including drug carriers, ICD inducers, and immunomodulators. Moreover, this review will provide a detailed discussion of the knowledge regarding developing combinational cancer immunotherapies based on the cancer-immunity cycle, hoping to maximize the efficacy of these treatments assisted by nanomaterials.

Concurrent Low Dose Carboplatin with Radiotherapy Versus Radiotherapy alone in Management of Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

A prospective study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of concurrent chemotherapy with single agent low dose Carboplatin and radiotherapy on survival, functional and quality of life outcomes in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients. Material and Methods : Sixty inoperable, previously untreated locally advanced head and neck cancer patients were planned to be treated with radical radiotherapy 66 Gy with concurrent single agent chemotherapy with low dose Carboplatin 150 mg IV weekly up to 6.3 weeks (Group A) and conventional radical radiotherapy alone (Group B). Results : After completion of therapy in Group A complete response was observed in 19/30 (63%) patient and in control group B in 10/30 (33%).Grade II mucosal toxicities were observed in 40% of cases and 33 % of cases in study and control group respectively. Conclusion : Concomitant single agent chemo radiotherapy with low dose Carboplatin could be a better choice in advanced stage of Head and Neck carcinoma in terms of survival, acceptable toxicities together with enhanced response and quality of life.