Remotely Triggered Nanotheranostics

Abstract

The emerging field of nanotheranostics refers to tens to hundreds of nanometer size constructs that combine diagnostic and therapeutic agents. The favorable and tunable bio-distribution of nanotheranostic agents to disease site can enable seamless image-guided therapies and achieve spatial control of drug delivery. Remotely triggered nanotheranostics with specific material composition build upon these emerging nanomedicine agents to enable external field directed drug release or tumor ablation, thereby achieving complete spatiotemporal control of therapeutic action. In recent years, a multitude of external field-triggered nanotheranostic agents have been proposed for the imaging and treatment of cancer. In this chapter, we provide a concise review of nanotheranostics triggered by electromagnetic, ultrasonic, or thermal fields, including their progress from preclinical validation of clinical trials and the challenges and outlook for remotely triggered nanomedicine. A survey of the literature covered in the chapter indicates extensive progress in preclinical validation and exceptional efficacy of solid tumor-directed nanotheranostics, especially with thermal or photochemically ablative modalities. Clinical studies are currently limited to hyperthermia-based chemotherapy release from nanocarriers, but with increased interest and investments, translation of a wide gamut of remotely triggered nanotheranostics is feasible.