Cancer-Targeted Nanotheranostics: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

The term nanotheranostics refers to the applications of various nanoparticles that serve the purposes of diagnosis and treatment simultaneously. Their versatile nature holds a promising potential towards their use in cancer management, making them an intriguing field of research. Current nanotechnology methods allow the formulation of a nanostructure that consists of a pharmaceutical molecule and a contrast agent which permits the monitoring of the nanoplatform’s biodistribution and accumulation at the tumour site. The contrast agent can be detected in real time by using non-invasive imaging techniques which include computed tomography, ultrasounds and positron emission tomography. Surface modifications of the nanoparticle are also possible providing greater targeting efficacy (mainly through the use of antibodies) and enhancing the effectiveness of both the imaging agent and the therapeutic substance. Another approach involves constructing a nanoparticle that detects differences in tumour microenvironment and consequently releases its cargo (e.g. a chemotherapeutic agent). This targeted drug release is a highly desirable attribute, resulting in reduced toxicity. Hopefully, these features combined in a single nanoplatform will offer novel clinical tools for personalized anti-cancer theranostics.