Abstract

Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a powerful approach to harness the immune system to combat tumors, 
while cancer immunoprevention aims to elicit protective immunity before cancer onset. Nanovaccines 
engineered nanoparticles that deliver tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), adjuvants, and immunomodulators 
have revolutionized the field by enhancing the stability, targeting, and efficacy of cancer vaccines. This review 
provides a comprehensive overview of nanovaccine platforms, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, 
virus-like particles, and inorganic nanocarriers, and their role in reshaping cancer immunoprevention and 
immunotherapy. We examine how nanovaccines promote dendritic cell maturation, T-cell priming, and tumor 
infiltration, as well as their capacity to reverse immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Special 
attention is given to the integration of nanovaccines with immune checkpoint blockade, CAR-T therapy, and 
neoantigen-based personalized vaccines. Furthermore, we discuss preclinical and clinical studies, regulatory 
challenges, and potential toxicity concerns. Finally, we outline future directions such as the development of 
smart and stimuli-responsive nanovaccines, AI-guided vaccine design, and scalable manufacturing processes. 
Nanovaccines represent a transformative modality that bridges prevention and therapy, offering hope for more 
precise, durable, and personalized cancer treatments.