Chapter 9 - Hybrid Nanostructures in a Diagnostic and Comprehensive Approach to Combat Cancer

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Cancer is the unrestrained development of tissues and their fast invasion without proper growth and distinction. Carcinogenesis is a complex process, caused by the connection of hereditary and environmental components, leading to a series of genetic and epigenetic changes occurring at various stages in the development and advancement of the disease. Cancer cells develop from a single transformed cell, which has undergone genetic and epigenetic changes. Worldwide, the cancer incidence is growing at a distressing rate. There are numerous antitumor medicines approved and some of are in clinical trials. However, most are dangerous, chemical-based, and have many side effects. The advances in nanotechnology have allowed the incorporation of multiple therapeutic and diagnostic agents into nanostructures. Therefore, hybrid nanostructures are the most suitable alternative for the diagnosis of cancer. Researchers have developed many hybrid nanostructures, which can mingle into the blood and attach to cancer cells. The optical as well as magnetic properties of various hybrid nanostructures offer a resource to diagnose cancers at their initial phases of growth. The superparamagnetic properties of materials allow the visualization of target tissue. Similarly, the quantum confinement effect of hybrid semiconducting materials offers fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, several other hybrid structures can deliver anticancer drugs to the tumor site with high loading capacity. Numerous inorganic hybrid structures are utilized to carry diagnostic and healing tools in biological science.