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Theranostic metallic nanoconjugates for colorectal cancer: targeting strategies, imaging modalities, and
Raj Kamal1, Abhishek Chauhan1, Thakur Gurjeet Singh
1Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India.
Introduction:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health burden, with high mortality largely driven by late diagnosis, limited tumor specificity of conventional therapies, and treatment-related toxicities. Innovative strategies are urgently needed to improve diagnostic precision and therapeutic selectivity.
Areas Covered:
This review examines recent advances in metallic nanoparticle (MNP) - based theranostic systems for CRC, with particular emphasis on surface modification, ligand conjugation, tumor-targeting mechanisms, and integrated imaging - therapy platforms. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications from 2010 to 2025. The literature discussed encompasses in vitro studies, preclinical animal models, and emerging translational research, highlighting how physicochemical tuning and biological functionalization influence biodistribution, tumor uptake, and therapeutic response.
Expert Opinion:
Although conjugated MNPs demonstrate substantial promise for image-guided and tumor-responsive therapy, their clinical translation remains constrained by biological heterogeneity, manufacturing complexity, regulatory uncertainty, and insufficient long-term safety data. Future progress will depend on simplified nanoplatform designs, clinically relevant disease models, and integration of real-time diagnostic feedback. Rather than replacing established treatments, MNP-based theranostics are most likely to emerge as precision adjuncts in selected CRC settings, shaping more adaptive and data-driven therapeutic paradigms.
Insights
Metallic nanoparticle (MNP)-based theranostics show promise for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis and therapy. Further research is needed to overcome challenges for clinical translation and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant global health challenge due to late diagnosis and treatment limitations.
- Current therapies for CRC often lack tumor specificity and can cause significant toxicities.
- There is a critical need for advanced strategies to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic selectivity in CRC management.
Purpose of the Study:
- This review syntheses recent developments in metallic nanoparticle (MNP)-based theranostic systems specifically for colorectal cancer.
- The review focuses on surface modifications, ligand conjugation, tumor-targeting strategies, and integrated imaging-therapy platforms.
- Key aspects explored include the influence of physicochemical properties and biological functionalization on MNP behavior and efficacy.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
- Publications from 2010 to 2025 were included, covering in vitro, preclinical, and translational research.
- The review analyzes how MNP design impacts biodistribution, tumor accumulation, and therapeutic response.
Main Results:
- Conjugated MNPs offer potential for image-guided and tumor-responsive CRC therapy.
- Physicochemical tuning and biological functionalization are crucial for optimizing MNP performance.
- Studies highlight the influence of these factors on biodistribution, tumor uptake, and therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Clinical translation of MNP-based theranostics for CRC faces hurdles including biological variability, manufacturing challenges, and regulatory issues.
- Future advancements require simplified nanoplatforms, clinically relevant models, and real-time feedback integration.
- MNP theranostics are poised to serve as precision adjuncts in select CRC cases, fostering adaptive, data-driven treatment approaches.
