Nanozyme-based cancer theranostics: A scientometric analysis and comprehensive review

Abstract

Nanozymes, possessing enzyme-like characteristics, have emerged as valuable nanomaterials in biomedical applications owing to their advantages over natural enzymes. Since nanozymes exhibit several vital and excellent catalysis activities to mediate multiple oxidation-reduction reactions that can further induce changes of cancer cells and tumor microenvironment, their applications in cancer theranostics have attracted widespread attention. Thus, this scientometric analysis aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the advancements and burgeoning trends in this field. The comprehensive assessment of scientometric analysis encompasses focal areas of inquiry, emergent research paradigms, and bibliometric profiles. The study analyzes the annual distribution of publications and citations, the geographical distribution across countries and institutions, categorizations by subject matter, contributions from academic journals, authorship patterns, and cited references. Drawing upon the findings of our scientometric evaluation coupled with an integrative review of pertinent contemporary literature, comprehensive analyses of this domain have been executed. First, the classification of nanozymes used in cancer diagnosis and treatment is reviewed. Succeeding that, various nanozyme-based approaches for both in vitro and in vivo cancer detection are outlined, supplemented by relevant examples. Subsequently, distinct nanozyme-based treatment strategies are delineated, including catalytic activity-based strategies, such as ROS generation, GSH depletion, starvation therapy, oxygen supply, and TME remodeling and immunogenic cell death, and nanostructure-based non-catalytic strategies, such as drug delivery, photodynamic and sonodynamic effects, photothermal and magnetic hyperthermia effects, prodrug activation, and ion imbalance. Finally, seven prevalent treatment modalities (catalytic therapy combined with chemodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy or magnetic hyperthermia therapy, photodynamic therapy, and sonodynamic therapy) are categorized and elaborated on. In conclusion, this comprehensive review aims to inspire innovative research endeavors in related domains and accelerate progress in nanozyme-mediated cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.