Title:Nanotechnology for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy – An Update on Novel Molecular Players
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Author(s): Alexandra R. Fernandes and Pedro Viana Baptista
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Nanotechnology, Cancer, Cancer therapy, imaging, molecular diagnostics, Nanoparticles, Nanosensors, nanoimmunochemotherapy,
SERS.
Abstract: Nanotechnology has emerged as a "disruptive technology" that may provide researchers with new and innovative
ways to diagnose, treat and monitor cancer. In fact, nanomedicine approaches have delivered several strategies, such
as new imaging agents, real-time assessments of therapeutic and surgical efficacy, multifunctional, targeted devices capable
of bypassing biological barriers to target and silence specific pathways in tumours. Of particular interest, has been the
increased capability to deliver multiple therapeutic agents directly to bulk cancer cells and cancer stem cells that play a
critical role in cancer growth and metastasis. These multifunctional targeted nanoconjugates are also capable of avoiding
cancer resistance and monitor predictive molecular changes that open the path for preventive action against pre-cancerous
cells, minimizing costs and incidence of relapses. A myriad of nanoconjugates with effective silencing and site-targeting
moieties can be developed by incorporating a diverse selection of targeting, diagnostic, and therapeutic components. A
discussion of the integrative effort of nanotechnology systems with recent developments of biomolecular interactions in
cancer progression is clearly required. Here, we will update the state of the art related to the development and applications
of nanoscale platforms and novel biomolecular players in cancer diagnosis, imaging and treatment.
