Application of niosomes in cancer nanotheranostics: recent progress and prospects

Cancer nanotheranostics integrates diagnosis and therapy into a single platform, enabling personalized treatment with improved precision. Niosomes (Nios)-biodegradable vesicles composed of non-ionic surfactants-are emerging as promising nanocarriers due to their low toxicity, stability, and cost-effectiveness. They enhance drug bioavailability and can deliver diverse therapeutic agents, including proteins and genes. As theranostic agents, Nios combine imaging and therapeutic functions, permitting real-time treatment monitoring and adaptive drug delivery. Compared to liposomes, Nios offer superior stability and simpler production. This review explores the characterization of Nios, their role in cancer detection and therapy, and recent advancements in the field. While nanotheranostic Nios show significant potential, challenges remain for their clinical translation. Future research will focus on refining their design and functionality to advance cancer care.