Multifunctional Nanoplatforms Bridging Diagnostics and Therapeutics in Cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Accurate tumor visualization is crucial for effective cancer treatment but often limited by single-modality imaging.
• Nano-theranostic platforms offer a solution by combining multimodal imaging with targeted therapeutic functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanistic foundations, integrated functionalities, and preclinical significance of synergistic imaging-guided nano-theranostics.
• To highlight emerging priorities for advancing clinically viable nano-theranostics in precision oncology.

Main Methods:

• Review of advances in carbon-based, metallic, polymeric, lipid, and biomimetic nanomaterials for integrated imaging modalities.
• Integration of various therapeutic strategies including photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy.

Main Results:

• Nano-theranostics enable comprehensive tumor characterization using multimodal imaging (FL, NIR-II FL, PA, MRI, CT, US).
• These platforms activate therapies in response to tumor microenvironments, enabling feedback-regulated treatment.
• Preclinical studies demonstrate significant potential for synergistic nano-theranostics in oncology.

Conclusions:

• Nano-theranostics represent a paradigm shift, converting imaging into an active therapeutic modality.
• Future directions include adaptive closed-loop systems, streamlined designs, immunotherapy integration, and scalable manufacturing for clinical translation.