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Glycosylated nanoplatforms have emerged as promising tools in the field of cancer theranostics, integrating both therapeutic and diagnostic functionalities. These nanoscale platforms are composed of different materials such as lipids, polymers, carbons, and metals that can be modified with glycosyl moieties to enhance their targeting capabilities towards cancer cells. This review provides an overview of different modification strategies employed to introduce glycosylation onto nanoplatforms, including chemical conjugation, enzymatic methods, and bio-orthogonal reactions. Furthermore, the potential applications of glycosylated nanoplatforms in cancer theranostics are discussed, focusing on their roles in drug delivery, imaging, and combination therapy. The ability of these nanoplatforms to selectively target cancer cells through specific interactions with overexpressed glycan receptors is highlighted, emphasizing their potential for enhancing efficacy and reducing the side effects compared to conventional therapies. In addition, the incorporation of diagnostic components onto the glycosylated nanoplatforms provided the capability of simultaneous imaging and therapy and facilitated the real-time monitoring of treatment response. Finally, challenges and future perspectives in the development and translation of glycosylated nanoplatforms for clinical applications are addressed, including scalability, biocompatibility, and regulatory considerations. Overall, this review underscores the significant progress made in the field of glycosylated nanoplatforms and their potential to revolutionize cancer theranostics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has been one of the most serious diseases, resulting in more than 10 million deaths every year. Fiber-optic sensors have great potential for diagnosing and treating cancer due to their flexibility, precise positioning, real-time monitoring, and minimally invasive characteristics. Compared to traditional central laboratory examination, fiber-optic biosensors can provide high sensitivity, miniaturization, and versatility, which feature the point-of-care diagnostic capability. Herein, we focus on recent advances in fiber-optic biosensors for cancer theranostics. It is primarily concerned with advancements in the design of various fiber sensing approaches, fiber cancer sensing, and therapy sensors. With fiber-optic biosensors, cancer marker detection, cancerous cell differentiation, ex vivo tumor model validation, and in vivo tumor detection can be achieved. And the medical fiber also can be used to provide photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and combination therapy for solid tumors. Additionally, cancer sensing and therapy can be integrated into the fiber, which demonstrates the multiplexing capabilities of fiber-optic biosensors. Lastly, we systematically summarize the fiber biosensor applications from in vitro to in vivo, and conclude with the challenges in development and prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles (NPs) and Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) can form metal-organic frameworks through the programmable coordination of ferrous ions with cyanide. PB and PBAs represent a burgeoning class of hybrid functional nano-systems with a wide-ranging application spectrum encompassing biomedicine, cancer diagnosis, and therapy. A comprehensive overview of recent advancements is crucial for gaining insights for future research. In this context, we reviewed the synthesis techniques and surface modification strategies employed to tailor the dimensions, morphology, and attributes of PB NPs. Subsequently, we explored advanced biomedical utilities of PB NPs, encompassing photoacoustic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound (US) imaging, and multimodal imaging. In particular, the application of PB NPs-mediated photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and chemodynamic therapy to cancer treatment was reviewed. Based on the literature, we envision an evolving trajectory wherein the future of Prussian blue-driven biological applications converge into an integrated theranostic platform, seamlessly amalgamating bioimaging and cancer therapy. Prussian blue, an FDA-approved coordinative pigment with a centuries-long legacy, has paved the way for Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB NPs), renowned for their remarkable biocompatibility and biosafety. These PB NPs have found their niche in biomedicine, playing crucial roles in both diagnostics and therapeutic applications. The comprehensive review goes beyond PB NP-based cancer therapy. Alongside in-depth coverage of PB NP synthesis and surface modifications, the review delves into their cutting-edge applications in the realm of biomedical imaging, encompassing techniques such as photoacoustic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, and multimodal imaging. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to unique facets, such as large surface area, tunable synthesis parameters, and ease of functionalization, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have transpired as a worthwhile platform for cancer theranostics over the last decade. The full potential of MSNs in cancer theranostics, however, is yet to be realized. While MSNs can be employed for targeted drug delivery and imaging, their effectiveness can frequently be hindered by factors, such as biological barriers, complex tumor microenvironment, target non-specificity and ineffectiveness of individual functionalized moieties. The primary purpose of this review is to highlight technological advances such as tumor-specific, stimuli-responsive "smart" MSNs and multimodal MSN-based hybrid nanoplatforms that have the potential to overcome these limitations and improve MSN effectiveness in cancer theranostics. This article offers an extensive overview of MSN technology in cancer theranostics, outlining key directions for future research as well as the challenges that are involved in this aspect. We aim to underline the vitality of MSN technology and the relevance of current research and advancements in this field to potentially enhance clinical outcomes through the provision of more precise and focused theranostic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomedicine presents exciting new opportunities for the detection and treatment of cancer. Current cancer imaging methods and treatment approaches in clinics frequently fall short of entirely curing cancer and can have severe side effects. Theranostic nanoparticles, however, have the potential to revolutionize effective cancer treatment and early cancer detection. The objective of this study is to show how magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and photoluminescent gold nanoclusters (MN‐AuNCs) may be combined effectively to produce bimodal imaging nanoparticles that possess magnetic and optical properties and can be used for both magnetic resonance imaging and optical biopsy. These findings demonstrate that MN‐AuNCs, when exposed to visible light, also have the capability to produce singlet oxygen, which is necessary for photodynamic therapy of cancer. In addition, it shows that they are non‐toxic, accumulate inside the cells, and cause cell death during exposure to visible light. The creation of these MN‐AuNCs offers a novel remedy for the current shortcomings in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Since they have both therapeutic and imaging capabilities, MN‐AuNCs have the potential to improve patient outcomes while lowering the risk of negative side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasmall silica nanoparticles, as one type of nanocarriers featured by excellent biocompatibility and efficient renal clearance, are of rapidly growing interest for biomedical applications, particularly in oncology. Undesirably, the intrinsic issues of low site-targeting capability, short circulation time, and limited functionalities of ultrasmall silica nanoparticles severely impede their widespread application in the biomedical domain. Recent researches on surface modification for improved physical properties, enhanced site-specific abilities and multimodality imaging have been continuously emerging, which provide the prerequisite for possible application in the integration of diagnosis and treatment. On this basis, this review summarizes the most widely used synthesis approaches for wellordered ultrasmall silica nanoparticles with uniform diameter and tunable pore size, and simultaneously highlights the diverse surface functionalization for versatile purposes and biomedical applications, including site-targeted delivery of drugs, stimuli-responsive cargo release, real-time bioimaging as well as cancer theranostics. Finally, the challenges of ultrasmall silica nanoparticles in oncology are further discussed with the aim of promoting their future clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a successful clinical imaging platform for management of cancer and other health conditions that has seen significant progress in the past decade. However, clinical translation of PAI based methods are still under scrutiny as the imaging quality and clinical information derived from PA images are not on par with other imaging methods. Hence, to improve PAI, exogenous contrast agents, in the form of nanomaterials, are being used to achieve better image with less side effects, lower accumulation, and improved target specificity. Nanomedicine has become inevitable in cancer management, as it contributes at every stage from diagnosis to therapy, surgery, and even in the postoperative care and surveillance for recurrence. Nanocontrast agents for PAI have been developed and are being explored for early and improved cancer diagnosis. The systemic stability and target specificity of the nanomaterials to render its theranostic property depends on various influencing factors such as the administration route and physico-chemical responsiveness. The recent focus in PAI is on targeting the lymphatic system and nodes for cancer diagnosis, as they play a vital role in cancer progression and metastasis. This review aims to discuss the clinical advancements of PAI using nanoparticles as exogenous contrast agents for cancer theranostics with emphasis on PAI of lymphatic system for diagnosis, cancer progression, metastasis, PAI guided tumor resection, and finally PAI guided drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist biomedical imaging have demonstrated its high accuracy and high efficiency in medical decision-making for individualized cancer medicine. In particular, optical imaging methods are able to visualize both the structural and functional information of tumors tissues with high contrast, low cost, and noninvasive property. However, no systematic work has been performed to inspect the recent advances on AI-aided optical imaging for cancer theranostics. In this review, we demonstrated how AI can guide optical imaging methods to improve the accuracy on tumor detection, automated analysis and prediction of its histopathological section, its monitoring during treatment, and its prognosis by using computer vision, deep learning and natural language processing. By contrast, the optical imaging techniques involved mainly consisted of various tomography and microscopy imaging methods such as optical endoscopy imaging, optical coherence tomography, photoacoustic imaging, diffuse optical tomography, optical microscopy imaging, Raman imaging, and fluorescent imaging. Meanwhile, existing problems, possible challenges and future prospects for AI-aided optical imaging protocol for cancer theranostics were also discussed. It is expected that the present work can open a new avenue for precision oncology by using AI and optical imaging tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The therapeutic efficacy of photodynamic therapy is limited by the ability of light to penetrate tissues. Due to this limitation, Cerenkov luminescence (CL) from radionuclides has recently been proposed as an alternative light source in a strategy referred to as Cerenkov radiation‐induced therapy (CRIT). Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) have ideal optical properties, such as large absorption cross‐sections and broad absorbance, which can be utilized to harness the relatively weak CL produced by radionuclides. SPNs can be doped with photosensitizers and have ≈100% energy transfer efficiency by multiple energy transfer mechanisms. Herein, an optimized photosensitizer‐doped SPN is investigated as a nanosystem to harness and amplify CL for cancer theranostics. It is found that semiconducting polymers significantly amplify CL energy transfer efficiency. Bimodal positron emission tomography (PET) and optical imaging studies show high tumor uptake and retention of the optimized SPNs when administered intravenously or intratumorally. Lastly, it is found that photosensitizer‐doped SPNs have excellent potential as a cancer theranostics nanosystem in an in vivo tumor therapy study. This study shows that SPNs are ideally suited to harness and amplify CL for cancer theranostics, which may provide a significant advancement for CRIT that are unabated by tissue penetration limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteinoids—simple polymers composed of amino acids—were suggested decades ago by Fox and coworkers to form spontaneously by heat. These special polymers may self-assemble in micrometer structures called proteinoid microspheres, presented as the protocells of life on earth. Interest in proteinoids increased in recent years, in particular for nano-biomedicine. They were produced by stepwise polymerization of 3–4 amino acids. Proteinoids based on the RGD motif were prepared for targeting tumors. Nanocapsules form by heating proteinoids in an aqueous solution and slowly cooling to room temperature. Proteinoid polymers and nanocapsules suit many biomedical applications owing to their non-toxicity, biocompatibility and immune safety. Drugs and/or imaging reagents for cancer diagnostic, therapeutic and theranostic applications were encapsulated by dissolving them in aqueous proteinoid solutions. Here, recent in vitro and in vivo studies are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acidic extracellular microenvironment has become an effective target for diagnosing and treating tumors. A pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) is a kind of peptide that can spontaneously fold into a transmembrane helix in an acidic microenvironment, and then insert into and cross the cell membrane for material transfer. The characteristics of the acidic tumor microenvironment provide a new method for pH-targeted molecular imaging and tumor-targeted therapy. As research has increased, the role of pHLIP as an imaging agent carrier in the field of tumor theranostics has become increasingly prominent. In this paper, we describe the current applications of pHLIP-anchored imaging agents for tumor diagnosis and treatment in terms of different molecular imaging methods, including magnetic resonance T1 imaging, magnetic resonance T2 imaging, SPECT/PET, fluorescence imaging, and photoacoustic imaging. Additionally, we discuss relevant challenges and future development prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the smallest antibody fragment with specific binding affinity, nanobody-based nuclear medicine has demonstrated significant potential to revolutionize the field of precision medicine, supported by burgeoning preclinical investigations and accumulating clinical evidence. However, the visualization of nanobodies has also exposed their suboptimal biodistribution patterns, which has spurred collaborative efforts to refine their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles for improved therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we present clinical results that exemplify the benefits of nanobody-based molecular imaging in cancer diagnosis. Moreover, we emphasize the indispensable role of molecular imaging as a tool for evaluating and optimizing nanobodies, thereby expanding their therapeutic potential in cancer treatment in the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesized simple Lyso-Mito without any targeting molecule or anticancer drug. • Lyso-Mito overcomes drug efflux, toxic side effects, and drug resistance. • First proposed a strategy for lysosomal acidity activation membranolytic module. • Dynamic visual tracking of lysosomes has been achieved by Lyso-Mito. Chemotherapy drug efflux, toxic side effects, and low efficacy against drug-resistant cells have plagued safe and efficient cancer theranostics. However, the materials or methods that resolve these defects all-in-one are scarce. Here, a new cancer theranostics strategy is proposed by utilizing changes in lysosomal acidity in cancer cells to activate the membranolytic model to overcome these obstacles together. Therefore, a simple fluorescent anthracene derivative Lyso-Mito is developed, which has a perfect p K a (4.62) value that falls between the pH of lysosomes in cancer and normal cells. Lyso-Mito itself can precisely target and convert the pH perturbation of lysosomes in cancer cells to fluorescent response and membranolytic module activity to accomplish the low drug efflux, weak toxic side effects, and low drug-resistant cancer diagnosis and treatment without linking other functional units or any additional assistance. Hereby, a new cancer theranostics strategy of integrating organelle microenvironment and the membranolytic model is realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new ultrasound-assisted chemical etching method based on the Fenton reaction has been proposed to synthesize two-dimension nanomaterials. • A novel kind of iron boride nanosheets with NIR-photothermal effect was developed. • Iron boride nanosheets have been developed for cancer theranostics for the first time. The development of biosafe near infrared (NIR)-photothermal nanomaterials is meaningful for tumor-targeted photothermal therapy and photoacoustic imaging for high-performance theranostics, but still challenging. Herein, we propose a new ultrasound-assisted chemical etching method based on the Fenton reaction to synthesize a novel kind of two-dimensional iron boride nanosheets (FBN) as NIR-photothermal nanomaterials. The developed FBN theranostic agent exhibits high NIR adsorption and NIR-photothermal conversion efficiencies, realizing biosafe and high efficacy of photoacoustic imaging-guided tumor-targeted NIR-photothermal therapy of tumor mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of nanotechnology, various types of polymer-based drug delivery systems have been designed for biomedical applications. Polymer-based drug delivery systems with desirable biocompatibility can be efficiently delivered to tumor sites with passive or targeted effects and combined with other therapeutic and imaging agents for cancer theranostics. As an effective vehicle for drug and gene delivery, polyethyleneimine (PEI) has been extensively studied due to its rich surface amines and excellent water solubility. In this work, we summarize the surface modifications of PEI to enhance biocompatibility and functionalization. Additionally, the synthesis of PEI-based nanoparticles is discussed. We further review the applications of PEI-based drug delivery systems in cancer treatment, cancer imaging, and cancer theranostics. Finally, we thoroughly consider the outlook and challenges relating to PEI-based drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liposomes and polymersomes, typical vesicular drug delivery systems (DDSs), have faced some limitations in cancer theranostics. Suprasomes, supramolecular vesicles assembled from amphiphiles linked by noncovalent interactions, show potential as new generation of vesicular DDSs. We construct suprasomes based on host–guest recognition, by which the desired functions can be integrated into carriers without tedious synthesis. Photothermally active host–guest complex is formed between a functional guest and pillar[5]arene, which further self‐assembles into hollow suprasomes. A supramolecular nanomedicine is developed by encapsulating cisplatin in the suprasomes. The obtained cisplatin@Suprasomes achieve excellent anticancer efficacy and anti‐metastasis combining chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, which ablate the tumors without relapse and metastasis. This work demonstrates the facile functionalization of suprasomes, holding promise as alternatives to liposomes and polymersomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, a significant portion of deaths are caused by cancer.Compared with traditional treatment, nanotechnology offers new therapeutic options for cancer due to its ability to selectively target and control drug release. Among the various routes of nanoparticle synthesis, plants have gained significant recognition. The tremendous potential of medicinal plants in anticancer treatments calls for a comprehensive review of existing studies on plant-based nanoparticles. The study examined various metallic nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis using medicinal plants. Plants contain biomolecules, secondary metabolites, and coenzymes that facilitate the reduction of metal ions into nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are believed to be potential antioxidants and cancer-fighting agents. This review aims at the futuristic intuitions of biosynthesis and applications of plant-based nanoparticles in cancer theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast activation protein- (FAP) is a type II transmembrane serine protease that has specific endopeptidase activity. Given its well-established selective expression in the activated stromal fibroblasts of epithelial cancers, although not in quiescent fibroblasts, FAP has received substantial research attention as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by an abundant fibrotic or desmoplastic stroma, leading to rapid progression, therapeutic resistance, and poor clinical outcomes. Numerous studies have revealed that the abundant expression of FAP in cancer cells, circulating tumor cells, stromal cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is implicated in diverse cancer-related signaling pathways, contributing to cancer progression, invasion, migration, metastasis, immunosuppression, and resistance to treatment. In this article, we aim to systematically review the recent advances in research on FAP in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, including its utility as a diagnostic marker, therapeutic potential, and correlation with prognosis. We also describe the functional role of FAP-overexpressing stromal cells, particulary CAFs, in tumor immuno- and metabolic microenvironments, and summarize the mechanisms underlying the contribution of FAP-overexpressing CAFs in pancreatic cancer progression and treatment resistance. Furthermore, we discuss whether targeting FAP- overexpressing CAFs could represent a potential therapeutic strategy and describe the development of FAP-targeted probes for diagnostic imaging. Finally, we assess the emerging basic and clinical studies regarding the bench- to-bedside translation of FAP in pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are advanced nanomaterials with a size of 2–10 nm and are considered zero-dimensional carbonaceous materials. CNDs have received great attention in the area of cancer theranostics. The majority of review articles have shown the improvement of CNDs for use in cancer therapy and bioimaging applications. However, there is a minimal number of consolidated studies on the currently developed doped CNDs that are used in various ways in cancer therapies. Hence, in this review, we discuss the current developments in different types of heteroatom elements/metal ion-doped CNDs along with their preparations, physicochemical and biological properties, multimodal-imaging, and emerging applications in image-guided photodynamic therapies for cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn-, N-CQD/MTX complex as a nano drug delivery system for cancer theranostics. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of highly luminescent (QY ∼ 0.36) manganese nitrogen dual-doped carbon quantum dots (Mn-, N-CQD) by hydrothermal method. • The Mn-, N-CQD is capable of pH-responsive methotrexate delivery targeted to cancer cells. • The conjugated complex (Mn-, N-CQD/MTX) demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, high cellular uptake, and a substantial drug release. • Mn-, N-CQD/MTX act as pH-sensitive drug system for the delivery of methotrexate to cancer cells. The present work highlights manganese nitrogen dual-doped carbon quantum dots as a novel pH-sensitive drug delivery system, for the delivery of methotrexate, targeted to cancer cells, along with the simultaneous real-time monitoring of cellular uptake and drug delivery using fluorescence imaging. Briefly, methotrexate was conjugated with the as-prepared quantum dots to form a nano drug-delivery system through non-covalent interactions. The developed material demonstrated drug loading efficiency of ∼91 % and a very efficient (∼80 %) pH-responsive drug release at pH 5.5. The cytotoxic properties of the developed nano-platform viz. manganese, nitrogen dual-doped carbon quantum dots, and methotrexate conjugated manganese nitrogen dual-doped carbon quantum dot complex were evaluated in cancer cells (HeLa) and healthy human cells (L929). The conjugated complex demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, high cellular uptake, and a substantial drug release. Healthy human cells were largely unaffected when incubated with both the MTX-conjugated Mn-, N-CQD and the free drug. Additionally, in vitro, the fluorescence bio-imaging potential of the developed nano-platform was also assessed, where the unconjugated (free) quantum dots exhibited better blue fluorescence imaging potential compared to that of the conjugated complex, which can be attributed to fluorescence quenching due to the presence of methotrexate. This study highlights the manganese nitrogen dual-doped carbon quantum dots capable of pH-responsive methotrexate drug delivery selective to cancer cells. The combination of drug delivery and fluorescence imaging creates an efficient platform for targeted therapy, allowing very precise drug release while accessing non-invasive monitoring of therapeutic response. This method holds a great promise for advancing cancer treatment strategies, with the potential for increased efficacy and decreased side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer theranostics is the combination of diagnosis and therapeutic approaches for cancer, which is essential in personalized cancer treatment. The aims of the theranostics application of nanoparticles in cancer detection and therapy are to reduce delays in treatment and hence improve patient care. Recently, it has been found that the functionalization of nanoparticles can improve the efficiency, performance, specificity and sensitivity of the structure, and increase stability in the body and acidic environment. Moreover, functionalized nanoparticles have been found to possess a remarkable theranostic ability and have revolutionized cancer treatment. Each cancer treatment modality, such as MRI-guided gene therapy, MRI-guided thermal therapy, magnetic hyperthermia treatment, MRI-guided chemotherapy, immunotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, has its strengths and weaknesses, and combining modalities allows for a better platform for improved cancer control. This is why cancer theranostics have been investigated thoroughly in recent years and enabled by functionalized nanoparticles. In this topical review, we look at the recent advances in cancer theranostics using functionalized nanoparticles. Through understanding and updating the development of nanoparticle-based cancer theranostics, we find out the future challenges and perspectives in this novel type of cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the excellent photothermal conversion ability and inherent nanomedicine platform property of MXenes, efficient reactive oxygen species production and prominent fluorescence emission feature of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active photosensitizers (PSs), as well as the extending excitation wavelength capability of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), a versatile nanoplatform comprised of Ti3C2 nanosheets (NSs), AIE‐active PSs and UCNPs is intelligently fabricated. This three‐pronged strategy takes advantages of each component simultaneously, and realizes fluorescence imaging/photoacoustic imaging/photothermal imaging triple‐modal imaging‐guided photothermal/photodynamic synergetic therapy under 808 nm laser irradiation. The introduction of UCNPs actualizes the long wavelength‐activation of AIE‐active PSs, which significantly increases the tissue penetration depth. Spatially isolation of AIE‐active PSs and Ti3C2 NSs is beneficial for suppressing the fluorescence quenching effect of Ti3C2 NSs, bringing about ultimately brilliant fluorescence. The covalently bonded polymer surface endows the nanoplatform with excellent physiological stability and efficient tumor accumulation. These outputs reveal a win‐win cooperation of multiple inorganic/organic nanocomposites for phototheranostics, and present great potential for future clinical translations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor accurate imaging can effectively guide tumor resection and accurate follow-up targeted therapy. The development of imaging-stable, safe, and metabolizable contrast agents is key to accurate tumor imaging. Herein, ultra-small and metabolizable dual-mode imaging probe Au/Gd@FA NCs is rationally engineered by a simple hydrothermal method to achieve accurate FL/MRI imaging of tumors. The probes exhibit ultra-small size (2.5–3.0 nm), near-infrared fluorescence (690 nm), high quantum yield (4.4%), and a better T1 nuclear magnetic signal compared to commercial MRI contrast agents. By modifying the folic acid (FA) molecules, the uptake and targeting of the probes are effectively improved, enabling specific fluorescence imaging of breast cancer. Au/Gd@FA NCs with good biosafety were found to be excreted in the feces after imaging without affecting the normal physiological metabolism of mice. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased significantly after incubation of Au/Gd@FA NCs with tumor cells under 660 nm laser irradiation, indicating that Au/Gd@FA NCs can promote intracellular ROS production and effectively induce cell apoptosis. Thus, metabolizable Au/Gd@FA NCs provide a potential candidate probe for multimodal imaging and tumor diagnosis in clinical basic research. Meanwhile, Au/Gd@FA NCs mediated excessive intracellular production of ROS that could help promote tumor cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer remains a major health problem that plagues human beings, calling widespread attention to develop novel theranostics to achieve sensitive diagnosis and efficient therapy. Multifunctional nanomedicine that can integrate diagnosis with treatment formulations has been emerging as a powerful strategy to overcome the current drawbacks in conventional clinical cancer treatments. Due to the good biocompatibility, easy surface modification, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)/computed tomography (CT)/photoacoustic (PA) imaging properties, and exceptional photothermal performance of gold nanostars (AuNSs), various AuNS‐based complexes or nanohybrids including metal compound/AuNSs, SiO2/AuNSs, polymer/AuNSs, and dendrimer/AuNSs, and so forth have been developed, holding great blueprint in cancer theranostics. Herein, we concisely review the recent progresses in the intriguing design of AuNS‐based nanoplatforms, and their applications in bioimaging, therapy and imaging‐guided cancer treatment, and clarify the possible future perspectives for the design of AuNS‐facilitated cancer theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant attention is paid to the design of magnetoplasmonic nanohybrids, which exploit synergistic properties for biomedical applications. Here, a facile method was employed to prepare plasmonic magnetic Au-MnO heterostructured hybrid nanoparticles for imaging-guided photothermal therapy of cancers in vitro, with the view to reducing the serious drawbacks of chemotherapy and gadolinium-based contrast agents. The biocompatibility of the prepared Au-MnO nanocomposites was further enhanced by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved triblock copolymers Pluronic® F-127 and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), with complementary support to enhance the absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region. In addition, synthesized COS-PF127@Au-MnO nanocomposites exhibited promising contrast enhancement in T1 MR imaging with a good r1 relaxivity value (1.2 mM−1 s−1), demonstrating a capable substitute to Gd-based toxic contrast agents. In addition, prepared COS-PF127@Au-MnO hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) produced sufficient heat (62 °C at 200 μg/mL) to ablate cancerous cells upon 808 nm laser irradiation, inducing cell toxicity, and apoptosis. The promising diagnostic and photothermal therapeutic performance demonstrated the appropriateness of the COS-PF127@Au-MnO HNPs as a potential theranostic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination therapy based on different mechanisms of cell death has shown promise in tumor therapy. However, when different modalities are integrated, the maximum synergy of the therapeutic effects is often lacking in the design. Herein, we report a cancer theranostic nanomedicine formula developed by considering the mechanisms of action of ferroptosis and the photothermal effect in combination therapy. The croconaine molecule was encapsulated as both a photothermal converter and an iron‐chelating agent with BSA, thus leading to biocompatible and stable Cro‐Fe@BSA nanoparticles (NPs). The Cro‐Fe@BSA NPs in the tumor milieu showed an activated photothermal effect leading to enhanced radical formation owing to the temperature‐dependent Fenton reaction kinetics, while radical formation during ferroptosis in turn prevented the heat‐induced formation of heat shock proteins and thus the self‐protection mechanism of cancer cells in response to heat. The activatable photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging performance of the Cro‐Fe@BSA NPs also enabled safe and reliable cancer theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is currently a leading cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates an increase of 60% in the global cancer incidence in the next two decades. The inefficiency of the currently available therapies has prompted an urgent effort to develop new strategies that enable early diagnosis and improve response to treatment. Nanomedicine formulations can improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of conventional therapies and result in optimized cancer treatments. In particular, theranostic formulations aim at addressing the high heterogeneity of tumors and metastases by integrating imaging properties that enable a non-invasive and quantitative assessment of tumor targeting efficiency, drug delivery, and eventually the monitoring of the response to treatment. However, in order to exploit their full potential, the promising results observed in preclinical stages need to achieve clinical translation. Despite the significant number of available functionalization strategies, targeting efficiency is currently one of the major limitations of advanced nanomedicines in the oncology area, highlighting the need for more efficient nanoformulation designs that provide them with selectivity for precise cancer types and tumoral tissue. Under this current need, this review provides an overview of the strategies currently applied in the cancer theranostics field using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), where both nanocarriers have recently entered the clinical trials stage. The integration of these formulations into magnetic solid lipid nanoparticles—with different composition and phenotypic activity—constitutes a new generation of theranostic nanomedicines with great potential for the selective, controlled, and safe delivery of chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is the most common life-threatening malignant disease. The future of personalized cancer treatments relies on the development of functional agents that have tumor-targeted anticancer activities and can be detected in tumors through imaging. Cyanines, especially heptamethine cyanine (Cy7), have prospective application because of their excellent tumor-targeting capacity, high quantum yield, low tissue autofluorescence, long absorption wavelength, and low background interference. In this review, the application of Cy7 and its derivatives in tumors is comprehensively explored. Cy7 is enormously acknowledged in the field of non-invasive therapy that can "detect" and "kill" tumor cells via near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Furthermore, Cy7 is more available and has excellent properties in cancer theranostics by the presence of multifunctional nanoparticles via fulfilling multimodal imaging and combination therapy simultaneously. This review provides a comprehensive scope of Cy7's application for cancer NIRF imaging, phototherapy, nanoprobe-based combination therapy in recent years. A deeper understanding of the application of imaging and treatment underlying Cy7 in cancer may provide new strategies for drug development based on cyanine. Thus, the review will lead the way to new types with optical properties and practical transformation to clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is an emerging noninvasive and inexpensive bioimaging modality, which has stimulated a wide interest in recent years for cancer theranostics. Hybrid nano‐ and microgels have been designed as protective carriers to incorporate PAI contrast agents due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability, high loading capacity, versatile surface chemistry, and stimuli‐responsive properties. These key features offer unprecedented opportunities for the design of innovative multifunctional cancer theranostic agents. This review focuses on the recent development of photoacoustic active nano‐ and microgels for biomedical applications in cancer theranostics and cancer hallmark imaging. The various chemical natures of gels and PAI contrast agents and the elaboration methods of hybrid matrices are summarized and discussed. Their applications in multimodal cancer theranostics and cancer hallmark imaging are presented, highlighting their merits and potential in treatment and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, cancer still poses a serious threat to human, but there is no exact cure. Therefore, exploring to accomplish high therapeutic performance is a challenging and urgent task. Since the nanoparticles unique properties were discovered, they have displayed promising potential for more effective therapies and have been widely used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radiation therapy (RT). However, some special properties of the tumour microenvironment (TME) have seriously affected the therapeutic outcomes, so the modulation of the TME becomes critical. Manganese dioxide (MnO2), as a transition metal oxide, has been widely used in biomedical fields with special physical and chemical properties, especially in regulating the TME. Furthermore, MnO2 has widely applications in various cancer treatments, such as PDT, chemodynamic therapy (CDT), immunotherapy, and some specific collaborative treatment. Herein, we reviewed the recent applications of MnO2 modified nanomaterials in tumour therapies and theranostics, including TME regulation, controlled drug loading/delivery/release, and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials with cancer‐imaging and therapeutic properties have emerged as the principal focus of nanotheranostics. The past decade has experienced a significant increase in research in the design, formulation, and preclinical and clinical trials of theranostic nanosystems. However, current theranostic nanoformulations have yet to be approved by the FDA for clinical use. Consequently, the present review focuses on the importance of the careful examination of the in vivo preclinical status of specific nanotheranostic materials as a prerequisite for their clinical translation. The scope of coverage is structured according to all of the major organic, inorganic, 2D, and hybrid nanotheranostic materials and their in vivo preclinical status. The therapeutic advantages and limitations of these materials in animal models are considered and the various strategies to enhance the biocompatibility of theranostic nanoparticles are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, lanthanide nanoparticles have aroused widespread interest in cancer theranostics by virtue of their excellent photoresponsive performance in deep-seated tumors. The abundant ladder-like energy levels, controllable emission profiles, and unique photoluminescence properties make lanthanide nanoparticles highly efficient for deep skin-penetration of near-infrared (NIR) light, concentrating light energy in tumors with negligible scattering and minimal autofluorescence from biological tissues. High-Z radio-sensitization of lanthanide elements endows lanthanide nanoparticles with a high X-ray attenuation coefficient, making them effective nanoprobes for X-ray-excited bioimaging and synchronous radiotherapy-related treatments. In this review, comprehensive progressions including the synthesis, structural characteristics of lanthanide nanoparticles, and distinct optical excitation mechanisms with NIR and X-ray triggers, are summarized. Advances in NIR-excited and X-ray-triggered cancer imaging methods and therapies are described in detail, wherein NIR-induced luminescence from upconversion nanoparticles and downconversion nanoparticles are introduced separately based on some typical sensitization. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of lanthanide nanoparticles as light-triggered cancer theranostic candidates are discussed, whose translation from bench to bedside still has a long journey to go. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Maximizing treatment efficacy and forecasting patient prognosis in cancer necessitates the strategic use of targeted therapy, coupled with the prompt precise detection of malignant tumors. The utilization of gaseous systems as an adaptable platform for creating nanobubbles (NBs) has garnered significant attention as theranostics, which involve combining contrast chemicals typically used for imaging with pharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat tumors synergistically in a personalized manner for each patient. This review specifically examines the utilization of oxygen NBs platforms as a theranostic weapon in the field of oncology. We thoroughly examine the key factors that impact the effectiveness of NBs preparations and the consequences of these treatment methods. This review extensively examines recent advancements in composition schemes, advanced developments in pre-clinical phases, and other groundbreaking inventions in the area of NBs. Moreover, this review offers a thorough examination of the optimistic future possibilities, addressing prospective methods for improvement and incorporation into widely accepted therapeutic practices. As we explore the ever-changing field of cancer theranostics, the incorporation of oxygen NBs appears as a promising development, providing new opportunities for precision medicine and marking a revolutionary age in cancer research and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐coordinated supramolecular nanoassemblies have recently attracted extensive attention as materials for cancer theranostics. Owing to their unique physicochemical properties, metal‐coordinated supramolecular self‐assemblies can bridge the boundary between traditional inorganic and organic materials. By tailoring the structural components of the metal ions and binding ligands, numerous multifunctional theranostic nanomedicines can be constructed. Metal‐coordinated supramolecular nanoassemblies can modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME), thus facilitating the development of TME‐responsive nanomedicines. More importantly, TME‐responsive organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials can be constructed in vivo by exploiting the metal‐coordinated self‐assembly of a variety of functional ligands, which is a promising strategy for enhancing the tumor accumulation of theranostic molecules. In this review, recent advancements in the design and fabrication of metal‐coordinated supramolecular nanomedicines for cancer theranostics are highlighted. These supramolecular compounds are classified according to the order in which the coordinated metal ions appear in the periodic table. Furthermore, the prospects and challenges of metal‐coordinated supramolecular self‐assemblies for both technical advances and clinical translation are discussed. In particular, the superiority of TME‐responsive nanomedicines for in vivo coordinated self‐assembly is elaborated, with an emphasis on strategies that enhance the accumulation of functional components in tumors for an ideal theranostic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a novel noninvasive therapeutic modality combining low‐intensity ultrasound and sonosensitizers, sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is promising for clinical translation due to its high tissue‐penetrating capability to treat deeper lesions intractable by photodynamic therapy (PDT), which suffers from the major limitation of low tissue penetration depth of light. The effectiveness and feasibility of SDT are regarded to rely on not only the development of stable and flexible SDT apparatus, but also the screening of sonosensitizers with good specificity and safety. To give an outlook of the development of SDT equipment, the key technologies are discussed according to five aspects including ultrasonic dose settings, sonosensitizer screening, tumor positioning, temperature monitoring, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection. In addition, some state‐of‐the‐art SDT multifunctional equipment integrating diagnosis and treatment for accurate SDT are introduced. Further, an overview of the development of sonosensitizers is provided from small molecular sensitizers to nano/microenhanced sensitizers. Several types of nanomaterial‐augmented SDT are in discussion, including porphyrin‐based nanomaterials, porphyrin‐like nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, and organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials with different strategies to improve SDT therapeutic efficacy. There is no doubt that the rapid development and clinical translation of sonodynamic therapy will be promoted by advanced equipment, smart nanomaterial‐based sonosensitizer, and multidisciplinary collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X‐ray radiation is commonly employed in clinical practice for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Over the past decade, developments in nanotechnology have led to the use of high‐Z elements as the basis for innovative new treatment platforms that enhance the clinical efficacy of X‐ray radiation. Nanoscale metal–frameworks (nMOFs) are coordination networks containing organic ligands that have attracted attention as therapeutic platforms in oncology and other areas of medicine. In cancer therapy, X‐ray activated, high‐Z nMOFs have demonstrated potential as radiosensitizers that increase local radiation dose deposition and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This minireview summarizes current research on high‐Z nMOFs in cancer theranostics and discusses factors that may influence future clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer theranostics is a new strategy for combating cancer that integrates cancer imaging and treatment through theranostic agents to provide an efficient and safe way to improve cancer prognosis. Design and synthesis of these cancer theranostic agents are crucial since these agents are required to be biocompatible, tumor-specific, imaging distinguishable and therapeutically efficacious. In this regard, several types of gadolinium (Gd)-based nanomaterials have been introduced to combine different therapeutic agents with Gd to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic agents. At the same time, the entire treatment procedure could be monitored via imaging tools due to incorporation of Gd ions, Gd chelates and Gd/other imaging probes in the theranostic agents. This review aims to overview recent advances in the Gd-based nanomaterials for cancer theranostics and perspectives for Gd nanomaterial-based cancer theranostics are provided. Unlabelled Image • Paramagnetic gadolinium (Gd) contributes to the formation of several theranostic agents for cancer treatments. • Recent progress of functional Gd-based nanoscale systems as cancer theranostic agents have been summarized. • Their current studies on cancer treatments and future clinical translation perspectives have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by cell membrane structures, synthetic polymer vesicles caused great expectations for the preparation of biomedicine for decades. However, in contrast to bio-membranes, which consist of inhomogeneous features, conventional synthetic polymer vesicles usually consist of a homogeneous membrane which is purely made out of hydrophobic components. This significantly limited the versatility of synthetic polymer vesicle membranes. Fortunately, polymer vesicles with inhomogeneous membranes were recently developed to address this limitation. These new inhomogeneous membrane features introduced secondary functions to the vesicle membrane. Indeed, the membrane of polymer vesicles no longer only serves as a simple barrier that separates the interior from the exterior environment. Introduced membrane features can act as a versatile platform for tailorable nanoparticle functionalities, which allow functions such as biomacromolecule transportation, diabetes treatment, and cancer theranostics. This review highlights recent advances made with polymer vesicles with inhomogeneous membrane structures. More specifically, design principles, biomedical applications, and the future perspectives of such vesicles are summarized. Unlabelled Image • Polymer vesicles with inhomogeneous membranes possess diverse structures and versatile functions. • Design principles and thermodynamic mechanisms of polymer vesicles with inhomogeneous membranes are summarized. • Recent developments in polymer vesicles with inhomogeneous membrane structures are reviewed from a biomedical perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐assembling peptide‐based nanoprobes have attracted increasing research interest in recent years because of their inherent advantages, such as good biosafety, flexible designability, ease of synthesis, and degradability. Being precisely regulated by a delicate molecular design, the self‐assembly/disassembly behavior of the peptide‐based nanoprobes to external stimuli results in signal turn‐on/off properties, which can therefore be applied for disease theranostics and disease‐related molecular detection, including cancer, bacterial infection, cell imaging, and enzymes. This review summarizes the recent advancements of self‐assembled peptide‐based nanoprobes for disease diagnosis and molecular imaging. Moreover, the challenges and strategies of self‐assembled peptide‐based nanoprobes for clinic transformation and practical applications are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal/organic hybrid nanomaterials for cancer theranostics. [Display omitted] • The recent advances in metal nanocomposites (metal/organic hybrid nanomaterials) for cancer imaging are briefly summarized. • The application of metal/organic hybrid nanomaterials in different therapeutic methods is systematically reviewed. • The development prospects of metal/organic hybrid nanomaterials for cancer theranostics are briefly discussed. Cancer is an extremely significant disease that profoundly impacts human survival and quality of life. Researchers have been searching for effective therapies, among which metal/organic hybrid nanomaterials received widespread attention due to their tumor imaging and treatment capabilities. Metal/organic hybrid nanomaterials are easy to modify and possess magnetic and plasma resonance, catalytic function, and biological activity. Then, researchers have recently designed a series of highly efficient metal/organic hybrid nanomaterials with integrated theranostics, good biocompatibility, and relative safety for achieving excellent therapeutic outcomes in cancer combined with various treatment methods. This paper highlights the research progress of metal/organic hybrid nanomaterials in the single diagnosis and treatment of cancer and their integration into diagnosis and treatment. The development trends, key problems, future outlook, and challenges of metal/organic hybrid nanomaterials are summarized and discussed. It is expected that the metal nanoparticles discussed in this paper can provide insights into the early diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerenkov radiation (CR), a phenomenon where charged particles traveling through a medium exceed the speed of light, has gained increasing attention in the realm of health. CR has shown unique imaging value and therapeutic advantages in the aspect of cancer management. In diagnosis, Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) via Cerenkov light (CL) induced by CR can be used for cancer accurate detection and efficacy evaluation. CLI also can provide real-time intraoperative visualization of tumor margins, facilitating complete and precise tumor resection. Additionally, CR-induced photodynamic therapy (CR-PDT) using CL as exciting light has evolved into a novel phototherapeutic strategy, which avoids the need for external aid light sources and breaks the restrictions on the application on deep tumors. Whereas, beyond these superiorities, there are challenges of the extensive use of CR still need to be addressed, such as the need for specialized equipment and the interference of ambient light, because of the low photon volume and short spectrum of CLI. Nonetheless, with further exploration and development, CR has the potential to revolutionize cancer management, improving patient outcomes and advancing the oncology field. In this review, the preclinical and clinical research advances of CR in cancer theranostics are summarized, including early diagnosis, intraoperative navigation, and treatment evaluation. [Display omitted] ● The advance of Cerenkov radiation (CR) in cancer early detection, intraoperative navigation, and treatment evaluation was reviewed. ● Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) can be used for cancer diagnosis and efficacy evaluation. ● CLI can provide real-time visualization of tumor margins, facilitating complete and precise resection during surgery. ● CR-induced photodynamic therapy (CR-PDT) overcomes the limitation that traditional optical therapy needs an external light source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this review, a variety of radioiodine-labeled biomedical carriers for cancer theranostics were summarized. • The diagnostic and therapeutic effects of various carriers, tumor uptake, and radiation doses are displayed and discussed. • Radioiodine-labeled biomaterials carriers for multimodal combined therapy has been introduced and discussed. • Challenges and future perspectives on the development of radioiodine for cancer theranostics are proposed. Theranostics, a promising modern concept combining diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic effects, has been used for optimizing and personalizing the treatment of many entities of cancer. Radionuclide, based on its decay mode, can easily be applied to this field with its imaging properties and cell killing effect. The importance of radioiodine, with a long history in nuclear medicine, in theranostics is indisputable. The commonly used kind of radioiodine in biology and medicine only include iodine-123, iodine-124, iodine-125 and iodine-131. However, the lack of targeting ability of free radioiodine ions to tumor tissue (except for thyroid cancer) and its rapid metabolism significantly limit its application in tumor theranostics. In recent years, great progresses have been made in the development of radioiodine labeled antibodies, nanobodies, peptides, small molecules, nanoparticles, microspheres or hydrogels for tumor theranostics. Moreover, using muti-functional materials as the carriers not only can improve the tumor accumulation and retention of radioiodine, but also provide a platform for combination therapy, resulting in a much more effective effect in specific therapeutic. This paper reviews the design and application of radioiodine labeled biomedical carriers in cancer theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-based diagnostics and therapy have become indispensable tools in the field of cancer nanomedicine. Various optical imaging modalities with tomographic capability have been developed to visualize cellular and organismic distributions of molecules. Microscopic pharmacokinetics and the tumor-targeting efficacy of nanoscale effectors can now be precisely evaluated. Moreover, phototherapy using intense laser light has been widely used for treating cancers. Using light-active nanoscale effectors, photothermal and photodynamic therapies on superficial tumors can be achieved with low-illumination lasers. Consequently, for the next generation of photo-medical techniques, the use of near infrared (NIR) excitation sources on NIR-activatable nanoparticles may offer deeper light penetration owing to less extensive scattering and absorption by endogenous chromophores in the NIR spectral region. Therefore, treatments and biodetection within higher tissue volumes and with less side effects (e.g. overheating) may be successfully implemented. This comprehensive review covers the state-of-the-art technologies on (a) advanced laser light sources appropriate for deep tissue theranostics, (b) types of laser interactions with pure-NIR and NIR-upconverting nanomaterials, (c) current development of NIR and multi-photon nanoparticles, (d) application fields of NIR nanomaterials in cancer theranostics, and (e) nanotoxicology of NIR nanoscale effectors for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted theranostic nano-system integrating functions of both diagnosis and therapy shows great potential for improving diagnosis and therapeutic efficacy. Herein, multifunctional nanoparticle based on activatable hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugating two near-infrared (NIR) dyes of Cy5.5 and IR825 was successfully designed and fabricated, and simultaneously used as a carrier for encapsulating perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB). In this system, PFOB showed good capability to absorb the X-rays, Cy5.5 on the outer surface acted as a fluorescent dye activatable by hyaluronidases (Hyals) in the tumor, and IR825 in the core as a photothermal agent. The obtained nanoparticles (NPs) of PFOB@IR825-HA-Cy5.5 can be utilized for triple X-ray computed tomography (CT), fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging. When PFOB@IR825-HA-Cy5.5 NPs were intravenously injected into the mice bearing HT-29 tumor, efficient tumor accumulation was clearly observed, as revealed by the triple modal imaging. An in vivo tumor treatment experiment was conducted by combination of PFOB@IR825-HA-Cy5.5 and near-infrared laser irradiation, achieving effective tumor ablation in mice. Therefore, PFOB@IR825-HA-Cy5.5 NPs is a safe, efficient, imageable photothermal nanoprobe, showing great potential for cancer theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near infrared (NIR) light allows deep tissue penetration and high spatial resolution due to the reduced scattering of long-wavelength photons. NIR light-activatable polymer nanoparticles are widely exploited for enhanced cancer imaging (diagnosis) and therapy owing to their superior photostability, photothermal conversion efficiency (or high emission rate), and minimal toxicity to cells and tissues. This review surveys the most recent advances in the synthesis of different NIR-absorbing and emissive polymer nanoformulations, and their applications for cancer imaging, photothermal therapy, theranostics and combination therapy by delivering multiple small molecule chemotherapeutics. Photo-responsive drug delivery systems for NIR light-triggered drug release are also discussed with particular emphasis on their molecular designs and formulations as well as photo-reaction mechanisms. Finally, outlook and challenges are presented regarding potential clinical applications of NIR light-activatable nanoformulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design, development, and biomedical applications of phytochemical-based green synthesis of biocompatible colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are becoming an emerging field due to several advantages (safer, eco-friendly, simple, fast, energy efficient, low-cost, and less toxic) over conventional chemical synthetic procedures. Biosynthesized colloidal gold nanoparticles are remarkably attractive in several biomedical applications including cancer theranostics due to small size, unusual physico-chemical properties, facile surface modification, high biocompatibility, and numerous other advantages. Of late, several researchers have investigated the biosynthesis and prospective applications (diagnostics, imaging, drug delivery, and cancer therapeutics) of AuNPs in health care and medicine. However, not a single review article is available in the literature that demonstrates the anti-cancer potential of biosynthesized colloidal AuNPs with detailed mechanistic study. In the present review article, we for the first time discuss the biointerface of colloidal AuNPs, plants, and cancer mainly (i) comprehensive mechanistic aspects of phytochemical-based synthesis of AuNPs; (ii) proposed anti-cancer mechanisms along with biomedical applications in diagnostics, imaging, and drug delivery; and (iii) key challenges for biogenic AuNPs as future cancer nanomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of novel imaging probes for cancer diagnosis is critical for early disease detection and management. The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the development and evolution of radiolabeled nanoparticles as a new frontier in personalized cancer nanomedicine. The dynamic synergism of positron emission tomography (PET) and nanotechnology combines the sensitivity and quantitative nature of PET with the multifunctionality and tunability of nanomaterials, which can help overcome certain key challenges in the field. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in radionanomedicine, exemplifying the ability to tailor the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials to achieve optimal in vivo pharmacokinetics and targeted molecular imaging in living subjects. Innovations in development of facile and robust radiolabeling strategies and biomedical applications of such radionanoprobes in cancer theranostics are highlighted. Imminent issues in clinical translation of radiolabeled nanomaterials are also discussed, with emphasis on multidisciplinary efforts needed to quickly move these promising agents from bench to bedside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) has become a prevalent choice owing to its appealing advantages like deep penetration depth, low autofluorescence, decent spatiotemporal resolution, and a high signal-to-background ratio. This would expedite the innovation of NIR-II imaging-guided drug delivery (IGDD) paradigms for the improvement of the prognosis of patients with tumors. This work systematically reviews the recent progress of such NIR-II IGDD-mediated cancer therapeutics and collectively brings its essence to the readers. Special care has been taken to assess their performances based on their design approach, such as enhancing their drug loading and triggering release, designing intrinsic and extrinsic fluorophores, and/ or overcoming biological barriers. Besides, the state-of-the-art NIR-II IGDD platforms for different therapies like chemo-, photodynamic, photothermal, chemodynamic, immuno-, ion channel, gas-therapies, and multiple functions such as stimulus-responsive imaging and therapy, and monitoring of drug release and therapeutic response, have been updated. In addition, for boosting theranostic outcomes and clinical translation, the innovation directions of NIR-II IGDD platforms are summarized, including renal-clearable, biodegradable, sub-cellular targeting, and/or afterglow, chemiluminescence, X-ray excitable NIR-IGDD, and even cell therapy. This review will propel new directions for safe and efficient NIR-II fluorescence-mediated anticancer drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to explore alternative mechanisms of cellular uptake and cytotoxicity, we have studied a new family of copper(II) complexes ( CuL 1 - CuL 4 ) with bis(thiosemicarbazone) (BTSC) ligands containing pendant protonable cyclic amines (morpholine and piperidine). Herein, we report on the synthesis and characterization of these new complexes, as well as on their biological performance (cytotoxic activity, cellular uptake, protein and DNA binding), in comparison with the parental Cu II ATSM (ATSM = diacetyl-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazonate) complex without pendant cyclic amines. The new compounds have been characterized by a range of analytical techniques including ESI-MS, IR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, reverse-phase HPLC and X-ray spectroscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed that the copper complexes are cytotoxic, unlike the corresponding ligands, with a similar potency to that of CuATSM . Unlike CuATSM , the new complexes were able to circumvent cisplatin cross-resistance. The presence of the protonable cyclic amines did not lead to an enhancement of the interaction of the complexes with human serum albumin or calf thymus DNA. However, CuL 1 – CuL 4 showed a remarkably augmented cellular uptake compared with CuATSM , as proved by uptake, internalization and externalization studies that were performed using the radioactive congeners 64 CuL 1 - 64 CuL 4 . The enhanced cellular uptake of CuL 1 - CuL 4 indicates that this new family of Cu II BTSC complexes deserves to be further evaluated in the design of metallodrugs for cancer theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]