Nanomaterials for refining tumor microenvironment and enhancing therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a review

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent and lethal solid tumor with a high mortality rate. Conventional cancer treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, primarily target cancer cell eradication. However, uncontrolled proliferation and metabolic activities of these cells result in abnormalities in nutrient levels, hypoxia, and immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These factors constrain the efficacy of traditional treatments by promoting drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Nanomaterials (NMs), such as nanozymes, can exhibit enzymatic activity similar to that of natural enzymes and offer a promising avenue for the direct modification of the TME through catalytic oxidation-reduction processes. Moreover, they can serve as sensitizers or drug delivery carriers, enhancing the efficacy of traditional treatment methods. Recently, NMs have garnered significant attention from oncologists. This review begins with an overview of the composition and unique characteristics of the TME. Subsequently, we comprehensively explored the application of NMs in the treatment of HNSCC. Finally, we discuss the potential prospects and challenges associated with using NMs in biomedical research.