Immunity-Modulating Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract

Cancer immunotherapy, which leverages the body's immune system to combat cancer, offers the promise of lower toxicity and higher therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional treatments. However, current immunotherapeutic approaches face significant challenges including variable patient response, immune-related adverse events, and high costs, underscoring the urgent need for innovative strategies. Metal-based nanomaterials have emerged as a promising avenue in cancer immunotherapy due to their unique physicochemical properties and immune-regulating capabilities. Despite their potential, concerns about toxicity, incomplete understanding of their immune modulation mechanisms, and early-stage design strategies hinder their clinical translation. This review summarizes recent advancements in metal-based nanomaterials for cancer immunotherapy, elucidates the mechanisms by which they enhance antitumor immunity responses, and explores the potential synergistic effects of combining multiple metals. We also discuss key challenges and future perspectives for clinical application, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for the development of metal-based immunotherapies and to promote their broader application in cancer treatment.