Ultrasmall silica nanoparticles kill prostate cancer cells and awaken antitumor immunity

A preclinical study shows PSMA-targeted ultrasmall silica nanoparticles (Cornell Prime dots) directly kill prostate tumor cells by ferroptosis and reprogram the tumor microenvironment to an active antitumor state, enhancing responses to immunotherapies. In mouse models, the particles achieved complete or near-complete remissions, especially when combined with immune checkpoint blockade and CSF-1R blockade, while sparing healthy tissues and showing potential for clinical trial exploration.