Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
Published on: March 25, 2019
Targeting nanoparticles for diagnosis and therapy of bone tumors: Opportunities and challenges
Xin Gao1, Lin Li1, Xiaopan Cai1
1East China Normal University and Shanghai Changzheng Hospital Joint Research Center for Orthopedic Oncology, 200241, Shanghai, China; Department of Orthopedics Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China.
Abstract:
A variety of targeted nanoparticles were developed for the diagnosis and therapy of orthotopic and metastatic bone tumors during the past decade. This critical review will focus on principles and methods in the design of these bone-targeted nanoparticles. Ligands including bisphosphonates, aspartic acid-rich peptides and synthetic polymers were grafted on nanoparticles such as PLGA nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers and inorganic nanoparticles for bone targeting. Besides, other ligands such as monoclonal antibodies, peptides and aptamers targeting biomarkers on tumor/bone cells were identified for targeted diagnosis and therapy. Examples of targeted nanoparticles for the early detection of bone metastatic tumors and the ablation of cancer via chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, gene therapy and combination therapy will be intensively reviewed. The development of multifunctional nanoparticles to break down the "vicious" cycle between tumor cell proliferation and bone resorption, and the challenges and perspectives in this area will be discussed.
Insights
Targeted nanoparticles show promise for diagnosing and treating bone tumors by utilizing specific ligands for enhanced delivery. This review covers design principles, therapeutic applications, and future challenges in bone cancer nanomedicine.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Bone tumors, both orthotopic and metastatic, pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Targeted nanoparticles have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges over the past decade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the principles and methods in designing bone-targeted nanoparticles.
- To explore the applications of these nanoparticles in the diagnosis and therapy of bone tumors.
Main Methods:
- Grafting various ligands (bisphosphonates, peptides, polymers) onto different nanoparticle platforms (PLGA, liposomes, dendrimers, inorganic nanoparticles).
- Utilizing ligands targeting specific biomarkers on tumor/bone cells (monoclonal antibodies, peptides, aptamers).
Main Results:
- Reviewed examples of targeted nanoparticles for early detection of bone metastases.
- Discussed therapeutic applications including chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, gene therapy, and combination therapy.
- Highlighted the development of multifunctional nanoparticles to disrupt the tumor-bone vicious cycle.
Conclusions:
- Bone-targeted nanoparticles offer versatile strategies for bone tumor diagnosis and therapy.
- Multifunctional nanoparticles hold potential for addressing complex tumor-bone interactions.
- Further research is needed to overcome existing challenges and advance clinical translation.
