Plasmonic Nanotheranostics: Merging Imaging and Therapy on a Unified Platform for Precision Oncology

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology

Background:

• Plasmonic nanoplatforms offer integrated cancer theranostics.
• They utilize localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) for enhanced imaging and therapy.
• This review critically examines recent advancements in the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of plasmonic nanoplatforms in cancer theranostics.
• To emphasize mechanistic foundations, nanostructure design, and system integration for guided therapy.
• To highlight synergistic therapies and intelligent nanodesign for adaptive treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on plasmonic nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics.
• Analysis of nanoparticle properties (geometry, composition, surface engineering) and their functions.
• Discussion of various imaging modalities (SERS, photoacoustic, CT) and therapeutic approaches (PTT, PDT, drug delivery).

Main Results:

• Nanoparticle design dictates plasmonic functions and therapeutic outcomes.
• Synergistic therapies (e.g., PTT-PDT, PTT-chemotherapy) amplify efficacy and reduce toxicity.
• Intelligent, responsive nanoplatforms enable real-time monitoring and adaptive treatment.

Conclusions:

• Plasmonic nanoplatforms are crucial for precision, image-guided cancer therapy.
• Translational challenges include biosafety, manufacturing, and clinical integration.
• Future opportunities lie in biodegradable platforms, AI-driven design, and personalized oncology.