Near-infrared light-responsive nanomaterials for cancer theranostics
Heejung Kim1, Kyungwha Chung2, Seungjin Lee1
1College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Global Top 5 Research Program, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Early diagnosis and effective cancer therapy are required, to properly treat cancer, which causes more than 8.2 million deaths in a year worldwide. Among various cancer treatments, nanoparticle-based cancer therapies and molecular imaging techniques have been widely exploited over the past decades to overcome current drawbacks of existing cancer treatments. In particular, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene oxide (GO), and upconversion nanocrystals (UNCs) have attracted tremendous attention from researchers due to their near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive behaviors. These nanomaterials are considered new multifunctional platforms for cancer theranostics. They would enable on-demand control of drug release or molecular imaging in response to a remote trigger by NIR light exposure. This approach allows the patient or physician to adjust therapy precisely to a target site, thus greatly improving the efficacy of cancer treatments, while reducing undesirable side effects. In this review, we have summarized the advantages of NIR light-responsive nanomaterials for in vivo cancer treatments, which includes NIR triggered photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Furthermore, recent developments, perspectives, and new challenges of NIR light-responsive nanomaterials are discussed for cancer theranostic applications.
Insights
Near-infrared light-responsive nanomaterials offer advanced cancer theranostics. These materials enable precise, on-demand drug delivery and imaging, improving treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies.
- Current cancer treatments face limitations, driving research into advanced modalities.
- Nanoparticle-based therapies and molecular imaging show promise for overcoming these drawbacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advantages of near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive nanomaterials for in vivo cancer treatment.
- To explore their application in cancer theranostics, combining therapy and diagnostics.
- To discuss recent advancements, future perspectives, and challenges in this field.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on NIR light-responsive nanomaterials.
- Focus on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene oxide (GO), and upconversion nanocrystals (UNCs).
- Analysis of NIR-triggered photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Main Results:
- NIR light-responsive nanomaterials serve as multifunctional platforms for cancer theranostics.
- These materials allow on-demand drug release and molecular imaging triggered by NIR light.
- NIR-triggered PTT and PDT demonstrate improved cancer treatment efficacy with reduced side effects.
Conclusions:
- NIR light-responsive nanomaterials represent a significant advancement in cancer theranostics.
- Their ability to enable precise, externally controlled therapeutic interventions is crucial.
- Further research and development are needed to address challenges and fully realize their clinical potential.
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