Emerging Role of Nanomedicine in Cancer Theranostics: Targeted Drug Delivery, Mechanistic Insights, and Challenges in Clinical Translation

Abstract

Nanotechnology has become an innovative platform in modern medicine in which it has become possible to gain unprecedented control over drug delivery, diagnostic imaging and oncologic therapy at molecular and cellular levels. Systems of nanoparticles have unique benefits as compared to traditional therapeutics including improved bioavailability, site selectivity, controlled release dynamics, and reduced systemic toxicity. These characteristics are especially crucial in the field of oncology where localization of tumor and real-time monitoring of therapeutic procedures continue to be important clinical issues. This review is a critical review of recent advances in nanotechnology-based drug delivery platforms, diagnostic imaging modalities and cancer theranostics with a focus on mechanistic insights, material design strategies and translational advances. It talks of key classes of nanocarriers, approaches to target specificity and multifunctional theranostic designs, as well as approved nanomedicines and current clinical trials. Notably, the review outlines the major limitations that had hindered clinical translation, such as, biological barriers, toxicity issues and regulatory challenges. Combining the current evidence and identifying the gaps, the manuscript provides a holistic vision of the role played by nanotechnology in the evolution of precision medicine and outlines the future directions in which the designing and production of clinically applicable nanotherapeutic and diagnostic tools can be developed.