Radiolabeled Iron-Based Nanomaterials for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with diagnosis and treatment continuing to pose significant challenges. In recent years, iron-based nanomaterials (iron oxide-based nanomaterials, iron-based complex conjugates) have garnered unprecedented attention due to their excellent functionality, superior biocompatibility and potential for multifunctional integration. Due to the non-specific nature of radionuclides. Their integration with nanomaterials offers promising opportunities for precise cancer diagnosis and effective treatment by enabling targeted delivery, controlled release, and synergistic combination therapies. This review systematically elucidates the latest advancements in radiolabeled iron-based nanomaterials for cancer diagnosis and therapy, with a focus on radiolabeling methods, multimodal imaging, and the combination of radiotherapy with various treatment modalities, including photothermal therapy (PTT), magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), immunotherapy (IT), and chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Finally, the prospects for the development of radiolabeled iron-based nanomaterials are discussed, along with key research priorities for the future.