Gold Nanoparticles in Bladder Cancer Applications: A Paradigm Shift from Diagnostic Tools to Integrated Theranostic...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology

Background:

• Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) presents high recurrence rates and diagnostic challenges with current methods.
• Traditional diagnostics like cystoscopy and urine cytology are invasive and lack sensitivity.
• Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) offer unique properties like biocompatibility and functionalization for improved bladder cancer management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application principles, achievements, and mechanisms of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in bladder cancer.
• To explore AuNPs' role in diagnostics, imaging, therapy, and immune microenvironment modulation.
• To assess the potential and limitations of AuNPs for bladder cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on AuNPs in bladder cancer.
• Analysis of AuNP applications in in vitro diagnostics, molecular imaging, and photothermal therapy.
• Investigation of AuNPs' role in targeted drug delivery, radiotherapy sensitization, and tumor immune microenvironment remodeling.

Main Results:

• AuNP-based biosensors provide ultra-sensitive detection of urinary biomarkers for bladder cancer diagnostics.
• AuNPs act as contrast agents for enhanced bladder cancer imaging and enable precise tumor ablation via photothermal therapy.
• AuNPs show potential in overcoming chemoresistance, sensitizing radiotherapy, and remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• Gold nanoparticles are revolutionizing bladder cancer care towards precision, minimally invasive, and personalized treatments.
• Current AuNP applications are primarily in the preclinical stage.
• Addressing long-term biosafety and standardized production are crucial for clinical translation of AuNPs in bladder cancer.