What is the future of nanoparticles as a clinical theranostic tool for glioblastoma?

Despite a combined approach to manage malignant brain tumors (including glioblastoma), which includes surgical removal of the tumor followed by cycles of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, patient survival remains extremely low. Advances in nanotechnology in recent decades offer hope for the use of nanoscale agents for the successful diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors.

This review analyzes the results of preclinical and clinical studies of nanoparticles of various physico-chemical compositions (e.g. SPIONs, AuNPs, QDs, etc) in the diagnosis and therapy (theranostics) of brain tumors. Particular attention is paid to the challenges of targeted drug delivery, antitumor activity, and future development strategies in this field.

Nanoscale agents of diverse physicochemical compositions have demonstrated transformative potential in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors, bridging the gap between bench research and clinical application. By enabling precise imaging, targeted delivery, and real-time therapeutic monitoring, nanotechnology offers a multifaceted platform for advancing personalized neuro-oncology. Further interdisciplinary research, standardization of preclinical protocols, and carefully designed clinical trials will be vital in translating these advances into tangible clinical benefits. Nanoparticle-based theranostics are poised to redefine the therapeutic landscape of brain tumors moving from broad cytotoxicity toward targeted, adaptive, and patient-centered treatment paradigms.