Mechanistic and Translational Insights into Gold Nanoparticle-based Cancer Immunotherapy: A Quantitative Comparative Review of Opportunities and Toxicological Challenges
Advances in nanotechnology have produced a range of strategies for cancer treatment. Among the materials under investigation, Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) are attractive candidates for immunotherapy because of their distinctive physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. This narrative review draws on studies retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science between 2020 and 2025 and describes the mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and clinical development of AuNPs. AuNPs enhance immune responses by delivering antigens to dendritic cells and T cells and by remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Their photothermal and photodynamic properties damage tumors while activating immunity. Surface modification reduces systemic toxicity, and PEGylation and ligand conjugation improve targeting. Preclinical and early clinical studies indicate that AuNPs can enhance tumor regression and improve treatment response. AuNPs can serve in drug delivery, immune modulation, and photothermal therapy. Although the results are promising, challenges remain in large-scale synthesis, long-term safety, and regulatory approval. Addressing these factors is essential for successful clinical translation. Gold nanoparticles represent a promising development in cancer immunotherapy, combining targeted delivery, immune activation, and photothermal effects. Continued optimization and safety evaluation will be essential if AuNPs are to become integral to next-generation personalized cancer treatment. Unlike previous reviews, this work provides a systems-level framework for AuNP-based cancer immunotherapy by integrating mechanistic data, translational bottlenecks, and quantitative comparisons between synthesis methods and nanocarrier systems.