Theranostic Applications of Nanomaterials in Cancer: Drug Delivery, Image-Guided Therapy, and Multifunctional Platforms

Appl Biochem Biotechnol (2011) 165:16281651

DOI 10.1007/s12010-011-9383-z

Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez & Romila Manchanda & Anthony J. McGoron

Received: 25 April 2011 /Accepted: 7 September 2011 /

Published online: 27 September 2011# Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011

Abstract Successful cancer management depends on accurate diagnostics along with specific treatment protocols. Current diagnostic techniques need to be improved to provide earlier detection capabilities, and traditional chemotherapy approaches to cancer treatment are limited by lack of specificity and systemic toxicity. This review highlights advances in nanotechnology that have allowed the development of multifunctional platforms for cancer detection, therapy, and monitoring. Nanomaterials can be used as MRI, optical imaging, and photoacoustic imaging contrast agents. When used as drug carriers, nanoformulations can increase tumor exposure to therapeutic agents and result in improved treatment effects by prolonging circulation times, protecting entrapped drugs from degradation, and enhancing tumor uptake through the enhanced permeability and retention effect as well as receptor-mediated endocytosis. Multiple therapeutic agents such as chemotherapy, antiangiogenic, or gene therapy agents can be simultaneously delivered by nanocarriers to tumor sites to enhance the effectiveness of therapy. Additionally, imaging and therapy agents can be co-delivered to provide seamless integration of diagnostics, therapy, and follow-up, and different therapeutic modalities such as chemotherapy and hyperthermia can be co-administered to take advantage of synergistic effects. Liposomes, metallic nano-particles, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots are examples of nanoformulations that can be used as multifunctional platforms for cancer theranostics. Nanomedicine approaches in cancer have great potential for clinically translatable advances that can positively impact the overall diagnostic and therapeutic process and result in enhanced quality of life for cancer patients. However, a concerted scientific effort is still necessary to fully explore long-term risks, effects, and precautions for safe human use.

Keywords Nanocarriers . Multifunctional nanoparticles . Theranostics . Cancer . Nanomaterials . Image-guided therapy

A. Fernandez-Fernandez : R. Manchanda : A. J. McGoron (*)

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174, USAe-mail: [email protected]

Theranostic Applications of Nanomaterials in Cancer: Drug Delivery, Image-Guided Therapy,and Multifunctional Platforms

Appl Biochem Biotechnol (2011) 165:16281651 1629

Introduction

Cancer is a complex cluster of diseases that arise from DNA mutations impacting cell growth and cell cycle processes. The fact that cancer encompasses a heterogeneous...