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MnSe@Bi2 Se3 core-shell nanostructures with highly integrated imaging and therapy functions are fabricated by a simple cation exchange method. Using those nanoparticles as a theranostic agent, a promise concept is further demonstrated to enhance conventional radiotherapy by: i) using X-ray absorbing agents to locally concentrate radiation energy and ii) employing near-infrared-light-triggered photothermal therapy to overcome hypoxia-associated radioresistance.

Highly sensitive and specific non-invasive molecular imaging methods are particularly desirable for the early detection of cancers. Here we report a near-infrared optical imaging probe highly specific to the hypoxic tumour microenvironment to detect tumour and cancer cells with the sensitivity to a few thousands cancer cells. This oxygen-sensitive, near-infrared emitting and water-soluble phosphorescent macromolecular probe can not only report the hypoxic tumour environment of various cancer models, including metastatic tumours in vivo, but can also detect a small amount of cancer cells before the formation of the tumour based on the increased oxygen consumption during cancer cell proliferation. Thus, the reported hypoxia-sensitive probe may offer an imaging tool for characterizing the tumour microenvironment in vivo, detecting cancer cells at a very early stage of tumour development and lymph node metastasis.

Thermo and pH dual‐responsive nanoparticles encapsulating an anti‐cancer drug (paclitaxel) were assembled from a diblock copolymer comprised of a hydrophilic poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) block and a hydrophobic polycaprolactone block. These nanoparticles aggregated at body temperature under a slightly acidic pH of 6.9 (see figure), and a faster drug release was found to be associated with higher temperature and lower pH, both of which are advantageous for tumor‐targeted anti‐caner drug delivery.