Theranostic Applications of Functional Nanomaterials in Targeting Glioma: A Review of Current Practices and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The theranostic applications of nanoparticles are referred to their potential for diagnosis and treatment of a disease simultaneously. In the management of cancer, theranostic nanoparticles exhibit a promising potential and thus making them attractive for research. Recent nanotechnology platform provides new methods and formulations that involve the fabrication of contrast agents and pharmaceutically active molecules within a nanocarrier that in turn helps in monitoring the accumulation of therapeutic cargoes at the target site. In real-time, the detection of contrast agents is made possible via noninvasive imaging techniques such as positron emission, computed and ultrasound tomography. In addition, the therapeutic agent and imaging substances’ efficacy could be enhanced by the surface modification of nanocarriers which ultimately helps in improving the overall treatment. Furthermore, the theranostic modalities of these nanomaterials could be improved by making them multifunctional through modifications such as the attachment of quantum dots, fluorophores, peptides, etc. Similarly, another approach involved in the design of such nanosystems is based on the ability of the delivery system to release its payloads on the contact with tumor microenvironment leading to a sustained release of targeted drugs thus offering reduced toxicity. In the arena of personalized functionalized nanomedicines, theranostic applications of nanocarriers for cancer will offer novel clinical tools via combination of diagnosis and treatment from a single platform.