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Activable Multi-Modal Nanoprobes for Imaging Diagnosis and Therapy of Tumors
Yan Yang1, Saisai Yue1, Yuanyuan Qiao1
1College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Malignant tumors have become one of the major causes of human death, but there remains a lack of effective methods for tiny tumor diagnosis, metastasis warning, clinical efficacy prediction, and effective treatment. In this context, localizing tiny tumors via imaging and non-invasively extracting molecular information related to tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance from the tumor microenvironment have become the most fundamental tasks faced by cancer researchers. Tumor-associated microenvironmental physiological parameters, such as hypoxia, acidic extracellular pH, protease, reducing conditions, and so forth, have much to do with prognostic indicators for cancer progression, and impact therapeutic administrations. By combining with various novel nanoparticle-based activatable probes, molecular imaging technologies can provide a feasible approach to visualize tumor-associated microenvironment parameters noninvasively and realize accurate treatment of tumors. This review focuses on the recent achievements in the design of "smart" nanomedicine responding to the tumor microenvironment-related features and highlights state-of- the-art technology in tumor imaging diagnosis and therapy.
Insights
Smart nanomedicine offers new ways to detect tiny tumors and predict treatment success by imaging the tumor microenvironment. These advanced probes help visualize and target cancer, improving diagnosis and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Malignant tumors are a leading cause of death globally.
- Effective methods for early tumor diagnosis, metastasis prediction, and treatment efficacy are limited.
- Understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for cancer progression and therapeutic response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in "smart" nanomedicine designed to respond to TME features.
- To highlight state-of-the-art technologies for tumor imaging, diagnosis, and therapy.
- To explore the potential of molecular imaging combined with activatable probes for non-invasive TME visualization.
Main Methods:
- Focus on nanoparticle-based activatable probes.
- Integration of molecular imaging technologies.
- Development of nanomedicine responsive to TME parameters like hypoxia and acidic pH.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle probes can visualize TME parameters non-invasively.
- Smart nanomedicine shows promise in accurate tumor diagnosis and treatment.
- Molecular imaging facilitates understanding of tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance.
Conclusions:
- "Smart" nanomedicine offers a feasible approach for advanced cancer diagnosis and therapy.
- Targeting TME-specific features with nanoprobes enhances imaging and treatment efficacy.
- This review consolidates progress in nanomedicine for improved oncology outcomes.
