Title:Particulate Systems Based on Poly(Lactic-co-Glycolic)Acid (pLGA) for Immunotherapy of Cancer
Volume: 21
Issue: 29
Author(s): Sima Rahimian, Marieke F. Fransen, Jan Willem Kleinovink, Maryam Amidi, Ferry Ossendorp and Wim E. Hennink
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Cancer immunotherapy, pLGA, aliphatic polyesters, cancer vaccine, immunomodulatory antibody, nanoparticles,
microparticles.
Abstract: Immunotherapy of cancer is a promising therapeutic approach which aims to eliminate malignancies by
inducing or enhancing an immune response against the tumor. Immunotherapy, however, faces several challenges
such as local immunosuppression in the tumor area leading to immunological tolerance. To overcome these challenges,
particulate formulations such as nano- and microparticles containing immunotherapeutics have been developed
to increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity of immunotherapy. Particulate formulations based on biodegradable
aliphatic polyesters such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (pLGA) have been extensively used with
promising results. In this review, we addressed the potential of pLGA-based particulate formulations for immunotherapy
of cancer. The discussion was focused on cancer vaccines and delivery of immunomodulatory antibodies.
Features and drawbacks of pLGA systems were discussed together with several examples of recently developed therapeutic cancer vaccines
and antibody-loaded particulate systems. Various strategies to overcome the drawbacks and optimize the formulations were given.
In conclusion, pLGA-based particulate systems are attractive carriers for development of clinically acceptable formulations in immunotherapy
of cancer.