The role of nanotechnology in gastrointestinal cancer

The rising interest in the utilization of nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment in all cancers including gastrointestinal cancer has increased research interest, and funding in the area of medical nanotechnology. Interesting outcomes of research studies on different applications are published every day, and it include approaches such as molecular targeting, photodynamic therapy, and magnetic localization. The discoveries being made by research teams and the hypothesized applications are thus far very promising. There are limitations that must be researched and overcome, but the increasing evidence for the use of nanoparticles in cancer treatment cannot be ignored. In this review, several recent techniques are discussed on the development of more effective and targeted cellular/molecular techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.