Revisiting inorganic nanoparticles as promising therapeutic agents: A paradigm shift in oncological theranostics

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Materials Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer therapy faces challenges with traditional methods like chemotherapy and radiation, including side effects and uneven drug delivery.
• Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) present unique physicochemical properties beneficial for cancer treatment and diagnostics.
• Limitations of current cancer therapies necessitate the development of novel approaches like nanoparticle-based theranostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review significant inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer theranostics.
• To summarize NP properties, surface modifications, cellular uptake, and biodistribution.
• To discuss the potential and challenges of inorganic NPs in clinical cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) in cancer theranostics.
• Analysis of NP properties, surface modifications, and cellular interactions.
• Discussion of clinical applications and challenges of inorganic NP-based cancer treatments.

Main Results:

• Inorganic NPs (e.g., gold, selenium, silica, oxide) offer advantages like controlled drug release, enhanced solubility, and improved circulation time.
• Surface modifications of inorganic NPs improve therapeutic cargo transport and cellular barrier penetration.
• Inorganic NPs demonstrate potential in overcoming drawbacks of traditional organic nanoparticles in cancer theranostics.

Conclusions:

• Inorganic nanoparticles are promising for advanced cancer theranostics, offering improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
• Further research and clinical translation are needed to fully realize the potential of inorganic NPs in cancer treatment.
• Surface-modified inorganic NPs show significant potential for overcoming cellular barriers and enhancing targeted cancer therapy.