Nanoparticle-Based Theranostic Applications in Oncology

In recent years, nanoparticle-based theranostics have emerged as a transformative strategy in cancer management by integrating diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy within a unified nanoscale platform. These multifunctional constructs exploit the enhanced permeability and retention effect to concentrate selectively in tumour tissues, enabling high-contrast imaging across modalities such as fluorescence, computed tomography and nuclear imaging. Surface modification with ligands or antibodies confers molecular targeting, while the intrinsic properties of metal or semiconductor cores facilitate radiosensitization, photothermal conversion or controlled drug release. Stimuli-responsive designs allow on-demand activation within the tumour microenvironment, minimising off-target toxicity. Collectively, these advances promise personalised, image-guided interventions that can visualise tumour margins, monitor treatment response in real time and deliver synergistic therapeutic payloads with unprecedented precision.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of injectable nanoparticle brachytherapy for unresectable solid tumours. Hollow gold nanoparticles coated with a clinical brachytherapy radioisotope form self-contained nanoseeds that, when injected intratumourally, achieve high retention and deliver concentrated radiation doses directly within the tumour mass. In preclinical models, a single administration led to over 80 percent tumour volume reduction without evident systemic toxicity, as confirmed by gamma-emission imaging. This work exemplifies the seamless integration of in vivo tracking and therapeutic radiation delivery, illustrating a minimally invasive route to precise tumour ablation.

Nanoparticle-Based Theranostic Applications in Oncology publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanoparticle-based theranostic applications in oncology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Theranostics: Combined diagnostic and therapeutic functionality in a single nanoplatform for simultaneous imaging and treatment.

Enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect: Passive accumulation of nanoparticles in tumours due to leaky vasculature and poor lymphatic drainage.

Radiosensitization: Increased tumour cell susceptibility to ionising radiation, often via nanoparticle-mediated reactive oxygen species production.

Janus nanoparticles: Dual-faced particles with distinct compositional or functional domains enabling orthogonal imaging and therapeutic actions.

Near-infrared II (NIR-II) imaging: Optical imaging in the 1000–1700 nm window, offering deeper tissue penetration and reduced background fluorescence.

Photothermal therapy: Use of nanoparticles to convert absorbed light into heat, inducing localised tumour cell death.

References

1. Radio‐Activated Selenium‐Doped Janus Ag/Ag2SexSy Nanoparticles for Precise Cancer NIR‐II Fluorescence Imaging and Radiosensitization Therapy. Advanced Science (2025).
2. Trastuzumab-Modified Gold Nanoparticles Labeled with 211At as a Prospective Tool for Local Treatment of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Nanomaterials (2019).
3. Laser-Ablative Synthesis of Stable Aqueous Solutions of Elemental Bismuth Nanoparticles for Multimodal Theranostic Applications. Nanomaterials (2020).
4. Theranostic Nanoseeds for Efficacious Internal Radiation Therapy of Unresectable Solid Tumors. Scientific Reports (2016).