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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
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Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting

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Folate-mediated chemotherapy and diagnostics: An updated review and outlook

Leyuan Xu1, Qianming Bai2, Xin Zhang3

  • 1Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.

Journal of Controlled Release : Official Journal of the Controlled Release Society
|February 26, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Folate receptor-targeted nanomedicines show promise for cancer chemotherapy and diagnostics. This review highlights recent advancements in folate-mediated nanoparticles for in vivo applications, discussing uptake, pharmacokinetics, and challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Folate receptor (FR) is overexpressed in various human cancers, making it a target for cancer therapies.
  • Nanomedicines and nanoprobes utilizing FR targeting are under active development for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest developments in folate-mediated nanomedicines and nanoprobes for cancer chemotherapy and diagnostics.
  • To emphasize in vivo applications of these FR-targeted agents.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on FR-targeted nanomedicines and nanoprobes.
  • Discussion of cellular uptake mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and administration routes.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in developing FR-targeted nanoparticles for cancer treatment and imaging.
  • In vivo applications are a key focus, with ongoing research into efficacy and safety.

Conclusions:

  • Folate-mediated nanomedicines and nanoprobes represent a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy and diagnostics.
  • Further research is needed to address challenges in cellular uptake, pharmacokinetics, and clinical translation.
Keywords:
DiagnosisFolate receptorFolic acidNanomedicineTargeted delivery

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