Nonviral vector system for cancer immunogene therapy

Abstract

Abstract Immunogene therapy has become an effective and significant clinical strategy for cancer therapy. Many immunogene therapies are approved for cancer treatment, and more are undergoing clinical or preclinical trials. Even though most patients benefit greatly from immunogene therapy, the strategies may simply activate the systemic immune response against tumors while also pushing the immune system to supraphysiological levels along with a subsequently increased risk of immune‐related adverse events. Enhancing the response rate to immunogene therapy is key to controlling side effects and improving efficacy. Improved delivery systems can efficiently deliver genes to the desired tumor cells while alleviating adverse reactions and immunogenicity. Thereinto, nonviral vectors improve the permeability, retention, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of drugs, thereby reducing side‐effects and providing broad prospects for enhancing the efficiency of immunotherapy and becoming a leading anticancer candidate. Here, this review highlights the types of common functional nonviral vectors, discusses their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the latest applications in different cancers. Undoubtedly, this review proves that nonviral vectors combined with immunogene therapy are promising treatments for cancers. Nevertheless, further research is needed to solve safety concerns and improve the efficacy of nonviral vectors‐based cancer immunogene therapy for future clinical application.

Keywords

• cancer treatment
• immunogene therapy
• nanoparticles
• nonviral vector