An update of nanoparticle-based approaches for glioblastoma multiforme immunotherapy

Nanomedicine (Lond). 2020 Aug;15(19):1861-1871. doi: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0132. Epub 2020 Jul 31.

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme is a serious medical issue in the brain oncology field due to its aggressiveness and recurrence. Immunotherapy has emerged as a valid approach to counteract the growth and metastasization of glioblastoma multiforme. Among the different innovative approaches investigated, nanoparticles gain attention because of their versatility which is key in allowing precise targeting of brain tumors and increasing targeted drug delivery to the brain, thus minimizing adverse effects. This article reviews the progress made in this field over the past 2 years, focusing on nonspherical and biomimetic particles and on vectors for the delivery of nucleic acids. However, challenges still need to be addressed, considering the improvement of the particles passage across the blood-meningeal barrier and/or the blood-brain barrier, promoting the clinical translatability of these approaches.

Keywords: blood–brain barrier; brain; drug delivery; glioblastoma multiforme; immunotherapy; nanomedicine; nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Glioblastoma* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local