Recent Trends and Developments in Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics

Abstract

Conventional anticancer treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, have significantly improved cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the existing traditional anticancer treatments have been reported to cause serious side effects and resistance to cancer and even to severely affect the quality of life of cancer survivors, which indicates the utmost urgency to develop effective and safe anticancer treatments. As the primary focus of cancer nanotheranostics, nanomaterials with unique surface chemistry and shape have been investigated for integrating cancer diagnostics with treatment techniques, including guiding a prompt diagnosis, precise imaging, treatment with an effective dose, and real-time supervision of therapeutic efficacy. Several theranostic nanosystems have been explored for cancer diagnosis and treatment in the past decade. However, metal-based nanotheranostics continue to be the most common types of nonentities. Consequently, the present review covers the physical characteristics of effective metallic, functionalized, and hybrid nanotheranostic systems. The scope of coverage also includes the clinical advantages and limitations of cancer nanotheranostics. In light of these viewpoints, future research directions exploring the robustness and clinical viability of cancer nanotheranostics through various strategies to enhance the biocompatibility of theranostic nanoparticles are summarised.

Metal nanoparticles for cancer therapy: Precision targeting of DNA damage

“…These safety measures include the integration of responsive release switches or the application of surface coatings to enhance the stability and controlled release of the nanoparticles. However, overly complex designs of metal nanoparticles may result in unpredictable interactions among various factors and hinder their clinical translation 72 , 148 , 149 . Therefore, it is imperative to investigate simple and effective metal drug design strategies while simultaneously focusing on large-scale production and standardized preparation techniques for metal nanoparticles to ensure reproducibility and safety in clinical settings.…”

Advances of medical nanorobots for future cancer treatments

“…In contrast, conventional nanomaterials primarily function as vehicles for drug delivery, devoid of the intricate functionality and design constituents present in medical nanorobots. These nanomaterials are typically passive in nature and depend on phenomena like the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, as well as the body's natural processes for their dispersion and release, which can constrain their effectiveness and specificity [163,164]. Conventional nanomaterials may comprise liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, or micelles, which encapsulate the therapeutic agents and safeguard them from degradation, but do not possess the advanced targeting capabilities proffered by the sensors in nanorobots.…”

Conjugated Nanoparticles for Solid Tumor Theranostics: Unraveling the Interplay of Known and Unknown Factors

“…However, despite their biocompatibility and light-sensitive ability, this tool’s primary challenge is the drug field’s poor pharmacokinetics. , Additionally, low permeation of light-sensitive drugs via nanotheranostics into the solid tumor is associated with phototoxicity, which stays in the systemic circulation for several weeks, which limits its use as a nanotheranostic. , Photosensitive nanotheranostics also pose the challenge of photobleaching, making room for more improvements. Critical challenges associated with metallic nanotheranostics − include retarded degradation and high cytotoxicity. In contrast, with nonmetallic nanotheranostics, the premature release of payload, with biological nanotheranostics, is a high-affinity binding with target proteins and quantum-dot-based nanotheranostics in rapid first-pass metabolism and clearance …”