Application of Carbon Nanomaterials to Enhancing Tumor Immunotherapy: Current Advances and Prospects - review

Sep 21, 2026

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Recent advances in tumor immunotherapy have emphasized the pivotal role of carbon nanomaterials, including carbon dots, graphene quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes. This review analyzes their unique therapeutic advantages and mechanisms of action in immunotherapy, covering immunoregulation, recognition, and signal enhancement. It also details approaches combining these nanomaterials with biomolecules to create immunosensors for sensitive tumor-marker detection, supporting early diagnosis and timely intervention. Clinical translation challenges are discussed, focusing on long-term biocompatibility and other practical barriers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

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Introduction

Cancer and immunotherapy overview

Immune checkpoint inhibitors and limitations

International Journal of Nanomedicine Dovepress Open Access Full Text Article Application of Carbon Nanomaterials to Enhancing Tumor Immunotherapy: Current Advances and Prospects REVIEW Yun Li 1 , 2 , Zhijie Xu 3 , Zijuan Qi4 , Xiaofeng Huang 1 , 2 , Mingyu Li 5 , Sijin Liu 1 , 2 , Yuanliang Yan 6 , Ming Gao 1 , 2 1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 4Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China; 5Mudanjiang Medical University, Mu Danjiang, Hei Longjiang, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Pharmacy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China Correspondence: Yuanliang Yan, Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People’s Republic of China, [Email yanyuanliang@csu.edu.cn](Email yanyuanliang@csu.edu.cn); Ming Gao, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, People’s Republic of China, Email [minggao@rcees.ac.cn](minggao@rcees.ac.cn) | Abstract: Recent advances in tumor immunotherapy have highlighted the pivotal role of carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon dots, graphene quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes. This review examines the unique benefits of these materials in cancer treatment, focusing on their mechanisms of action within immunotherapy. These include applications in immunoregulation, recognition, and enhancement. We explore how these nanomaterials when combined with specific biomolecules, can form immunosensors. These sensors are engineered for highly sensitive and specific detection of tumor markers, offering crucial support for early diagnosis and timely therapeutic interventions. This review also addresses significant challenges facing carbon nanomaterials in clinical settings, such as issues related to long-term biocompatibility and the hurdles of clinical translation. These challenges require extensive ongoing research and discussion. This review is of both theoretical and practical importance, aiming to promote using carbon nanomaterials in tumor immunotherapy, potentially transforming clinical outcomes and enhancing patient care.
Keywords: carbon nanoparticles, immune cell, tumor immunotherapy, drug delivery, immunosensors | | --- | | Introduction
Cancer is a genetically autonomous disease characterized by malignant cells that bypass normal cellular control mechanisms.1 According to the latest cancer statistics published by “A Cancer Journal for Clinicians”, in 2022, nearly 20 million new cancer cases were reported globally, with approximately 9.7 million cancer deaths.2 Tumors can be classified as cancerous, characterized by their invasive growth and spread to surrounding tissues, or non-cancerous, which remain localized, do not recur, and maintain a consistent size and smooth morphology.3 Cancer treatment primarily involves surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, due to late-stage diagnosis, residual cancer cells may persist, leading to recurrence or metastasis post-treatment.4–7
The human immune system, comprising immune organs, cells, and active substances, is crucial for defending against diseases, malignant tumors, and xenobiotic exposures, and interacts with nearly all organ systems.8 The advent of cancer immunotherapy marks a significant milestone in precision medicine. Common strategies include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 or

FAQs

What carbon nanomaterials are highlighted in this review for tumor immunotherapy?

The review emphasizes carbon dots, graphene quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes, describing their roles in cancer treatment and immunotherapy.

How do carbon nanomaterials contribute to immunotherapy according to the document?

They provide benefits through immunoregulation, recognition, and enhancement mechanisms within immunotherapy.

What is the purpose of combining these nanomaterials with biomolecules?

Combining them with biomolecules enables immunosensors designed for highly sensitive and specific detection of tumor markers, aiding early diagnosis and timely treatment decisions.

Sep 21, 2026

Upload by Skyler