Biomaterials to Boost Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has attracted tremendous attention in recent years. In our recent studies, by employing rationally designed biomaterials as well as nanoscale delivery systems, we are able to enhance cancer immunotherapy via developing novel nano-vaccines, modulating tumor microenvironment, and achieving combinational immunotherapy, as evidenced by various animal model experiments. In this presentation, I would introduce our latest efforts in this exciting research direction. In particular, we have tried to combine various types of local tumor treatment methods with immunotherapy using biomaterials as the bridge. Stimulated by the tumor antigens released after local tumor ablation, the triggered immunological responses if in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy could result in effective inhibition of tumor cells remaining in the body, promising for treatment of cancer metastasis. A strong immune-memory effect could also be observed after such treatment. Beyond that, we are also working on biomaterials that are capable of modulating tumor microenvironment for enhanced immunotherapy. A start-up company has been founded based on the technologies from our laboratory. Several pipelines are now being tested in clinical trials.