Nanotheranostics: A Cutting-Edge Technology for Cancer Management

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the 21st century where early detection and appropriate therapeutic interventions are two components essential for effective cancer management. Despite the availability of several conventional diagnostics and therapeutic agents cancer mortality rates are rising due to an increase in the frequency of recurrence and metastasis in cancer patients. Therefore tremendous efforts have been expended to address this significant clinical issue and improve therapeutic efficacy. In this regard nanotheranostic is a multipotential single platform for both cancer diagnosis and treatment through enhanced aqueous solubility and bioavailability of the encapsulated agent stimulus responsiveness tumor-specific targeting ability precise tumor imaging and real-time drug delivery. Nonetheless the translational success of nanotheranostic platforms is still in its infancy and requires more extensive research in the context of tumor heterogeneity safety profile and regulatory issues which pose one of the largest technological limitations. The present review summarizes different nanotheranostic platforms and nanotheranostic candidates in clinical trials (AGuIX (R), NBTXR3 Ferumoxtran MM-398 EndoTAG-1 etc.) along with disadvantages and challenges to improving cancer diagnosis and treatment. Overall the concept platform and technical knowledge of nanotheranostics are really helpful to academic and pharmaceutical researchers.