Theranostic Nanoparticles: Revolutionizing Cancer and Imaging
Authors: Nasir Aqsa , Minhas Amnah , Donahue John Adam , Shaikh Zulfiqar Ali 
Published: June 2023

Diagnostic agents based on nanoparticles are frequently suggested. However, diagnostic nanoparticles, except for iron oxide nanoparticles, have not yet been extensively utilized in clinical settings. This is because of concerns about toxicity, biodegradation, and elimination as well as difficulties in achieving reproducible particle uniformity and acceptable pharmacokinetic properties. The biologic behavior of nanoparticles should be considered when considering reasonable clinical applications. For instance, numerous nanoparticles are taken up by macrophages and accumulate in tissues with a lot of macrophages. As a result, they can be utilized to provide contrast in lymph nodes, the liver, the spleen, and inflammatory lesions Nanoparticles can also effectively label cells, making it possible to study cell migration in vivo and locate implanted (stem) cells and tissue-engineered grafts. Because it is difficult to control their pharmacokinetic properties, the potential of using nanoparticles for molecular imaging is limited. While targeted nanoparticle delivery to extravascular structures is frequently limited and difficult to separate from an underlying enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, ideal nanoparticle targets are located on the endothelial luminal surface. In conclusion, nanoparticles hold significant clinical potential for other diagnostic and theranostic applications, even though they are not always the best option for molecular imaging because smaller or larger molecules may provide more specific information. This literature review survey endeavored to portray theranostic nanoparticles and their utilization in the therapy and conclusion of malignant growth. This paper also looked at nanoparticles and their potential to lower the dose of radioactive material and improve the quality of computed tomography scans. This review also attempted to demonstrate the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating these nanoparticles into the modern healthcare system. To gather the pertinent data for this review, 18 scholarly sources were chosen and investigated. Every day, new nanotechnology prototypes and developments are made, created, and analyzed. Positive aspects of incorporating nanoparticles into cancer treatment have been documented. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who still do not like the idea of using this technology and think it is just a fantasy or novelty. These technologies have the potential to completely transform the health care industry, according to studies of their effects on the cancer industry. When all these factors are taken into consideration, it appears that this technology is being used more frequently than ever before. This claim was not accurately met by negative perceptions, fear of change, a lack of specific work, cost, toxicity, or synthesis. The study and manipulation of matter in the range of one to one hundred nanometers is known as nanotechnology. Innovative therapeutic and diagnostic methods are at the heart of nanomedicine, or the use of precisely manufactured materials at this length scale for medical purposes. Due to their extremely small size, high surface area to mass ratio, and high reactivity, nanomaterials are physically and chemically distinct from bulk materials of the same composition. Using these features can alleviate some of the drawbacks of conventional medical and diagnostic drugs.