Novel nanomaterials as photo‐activated cancer diagnostics and therapy

Abstract

Abstract The word “theranostics” describes an emerging trend in medicine in which the distinction between diagnosis and therapy blurs. Light or photo is used in theranostics to obtain high precision and personalised treatment. As only malignant tissues need to be spared, photo‐triggered theranostics provide highly selective targeting using real‐time imaging. Using nanotechnology to organise a dual‐modality approach is an efficient way to circumvent pharmacokinetic limitations. Photodynamic therapy has been used successfully in the clinic for a while now, and this has paved the path for photo‐triggered theranostics to be developed. The use of light‐activated theranostic nanoforms has progressed from preclinical studies in animals and labs to clinical trials in humans. As both nanomaterials and their methods of manufacture advance, the theranostic approach becomes more nuanced and may be used in a wider range of real‐time imaging and therapy modalities. The depth of anatomical access is also expanding because of developments in light delivery technologies. Combined, these innovations will hasten early cancer diagnosis and make tailored treatment more feasible. A non‐invasive assessment approach also increases patient compliance and reduces risk. Researchers constantly make strides in their effort to create more versatile photo‐sensitive nanoparticles. With any luck, photo‐triggered theranostics may significantly reduce toxicity. In order to provide a better and safer clinical outcome in cancer therapy, this review aims to highlight the latest and greatest innovation research in the domain of nanotheranostics and its photo‐triggering, and to sketch the possibilities for further progression and integration of nanoconstructs and photo‐delivery, and trying to target approach in photo‐triggered theranostics.

Keywords

• carbon nanotubes
• gold based nanoparticles
• immunotherapy
• phototherapy
• thernostatics
• tumour microenvironment