Recent advances in ultrasound-targeted nanobubbles combined with cancer immunotherapy: Mechanisms, applications, and challenges

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by leveraging the immune system to target tumors. However, its efficacy is often limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and the development of resistance, leading to response rates of only 20%-30%. Ultrasound-targeted nanobubbles (UTN) combined with cancer immunotherapy present a promising solution to the limitations of current treatments. By utilizing the mechanical and biological effects of ultrasound, UTN improve drug delivery, reduce systemic toxicity, and modulate immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. Preclinical studies have shown that UTN combined with cancer immunotherapy can significantly increase the use of checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccines, and gene-based therapies, resulting in better tumor control. This article reviews the latest advancements, applications, and challenges of UTN combined with cancer immunotherapy, emphasizing the potential of UTN to overcome current therapeutic barriers and providing a forward-looking perspective on its translation into clinical practice.