Versatile Nanosystem-Based Cancer Theranostics: Design Inspiration and Predetermined Routing

Abstract

The relevance of personalized medicine, aimed at a more individualized drug therapy, has inspired research into nano-based concerted diagnosis and therapeutics (theranostics). As the intention is to "kill two birds with one stone", scientists have already described the emerging concept as a treasured tailor for the future of cancer therapy, wherein the main idea is to design "smart" nanosystems to concurrently discharge both therapeutic and diagnostic roles. These nanosystems are expected to offer a relatively clearer view of the ingenious cellular trafficking pathway, in-situ diagnosis, and therapeutic efficacy. We herein present a detailed review of versatile nanosystems, with prominent examples of recently developed intelligent delivery strategies which have gained attention in the field of theranostics. These nanotheranostics include various mechanisms programmed in novel platforms to enable predetermined delivery of cargo to specific sites, as well as techniques to overcome the notable challenges involved in the efficacy of theranostics.

Keywords: cancer theranostics; personalized medicine; predetermined routing.; versatile nanosystems.

Figure 1

General representation of nanotheranostics with subsequent delivery induced by physical irritation.

Figure 2

(A) Schematic representation of pH-responsive fluorescence image-guided delivery of nanotheranostics (B) pH-responsive nanotheranostics indicating a site-specific acid dissolution of ZnO in tumour environment as suggested by changes observed in green fluorescence imaging of integrin α_vβ₃ on live U87MG with respect to time. Adapted with permission from Copyright (2015) American Chemical Society.

Figure 3

(A) Schematic diagram of an enzyme responsive theranostic system with ALP- triggered conversion of micelle to nanofibre for image-guided nanotheranostics. (B) Fluorescence imaging of enzyme responsive nanofibre after 4 h, 24 h and 48 h respectively, showing a site-specific delivery of theranostics as compared to ICG alone. Adapted with permission from . Copyright (2015) American Chemical Society

Figure 4

Magneto-driven nanotheranostics combined with magnetic resonance based multi-modal imaging. “Adapted with permission from . Copyright (2015) American Chemical Society”.

Figure 5

(A) Targeting circulating tumour cells in blood cells by nanotheranostics and subsequent ex vivo diagnosis. (B) Schematic illustration showing magnetic CTCs capturing and detection by nanotheranostics with high photoacoustic signals. Adapted with permission from Macmillan Publishers Ltd: [Nat. Nanotechnol.] , Copyright (2009).

Figure 6

Upconversion nanoparticle-aided phototherapy and imaging ensuring effective theranostic effect. Adapted with permission from Copyright (2012) American Chemical Society.