MXene-based nanosheet for enhanced glioma therapy via photonic hyperthermia to boost the abscopal effect of radioimmunotherapy

Radiotherapy (RT) effectiveness is limited by low DNA damage in tumor cells, surrounding tissue harm, and tumor radioresistance with active DNA repair. Herein, we have engineered a two-dimensional nanomaterial consisting of MXene nanosheets at its core, coated with gold nanorods and a cisplatin shell, and further modified with polyvinyl alcohol, referred to as APMP. The APMP exploits its distinctive electronic properties and photothermal effects to augment radiosensitivity and impede DNA damage repair mechanisms. In vitro experiments demonstrate that APMP elevates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production to approximately 2.6 times higher than that achieved with radiotherapy alone, thereby significantly enhancing the sensitivity to radiotherapy. Combining APMP with photothermal therapy (PTT) and RT is a promising glioblastoma treatment strategy, achieving tumor destruction via localized hyperthermia and overcoming radioresistance. This approach achieves precise tumor targeting, reducing side effects and enhancing therapeutic response in preclinical models. The novel core-shell design enables potent radiotherapy-specific radiosensitizers that drive immunogenic cell death, enhancing glioblastoma combination immunotherapy. This universal strategy heralds a new era in integrating radiotherapy sensitizers with immunotherapy.