Emerging nanotechnologies and their role in early ovarian cancer detection, diagnosis and interventions

Abstract

Ovarian cancer presents a significant public health challenge, often being diagnosed at advanced stages due to the limitations of current detection methods. This systematic review addresses the urgent need for innovative approaches to enhance early detection and diagnosis of ovarian cancer. We systematically evaluate recent advancements in nanotechnology, focusing specifically on their novel applications and potential in comparison to traditional diagnostic modalities. Our analysis encompasses a wide range of studies investigating nanoparticles, biosensors, advanced imaging techniques, and biomarker detection platforms, with an emphasis on evaluating key performance indicators such as detection rates, turnaround times, and the accuracy of distinguishing cancerous from non-cancerous tissues. Our findings indicate that nanotechnology-based approaches have the potential to significantly improve early detection capabilities for ovarian cancer. Notably, studies on nanoparticle-based imaging techniques and biosensors consistently demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity for identifying ovarian cancer biomarkers, with detection rates exceeding 90% reported for early-stage cancers in several instances. This review underscores the promise of emerging nanotechnologies to transform the landscape of early detection and diagnosis, offering a pathway toward earlier diagnoses, enhanced therapeutic interventions, and improved patient outcomes. We advocate for future research dedicated to the translational efforts required to move these technologies from bench to bedside, ensuring their effectiveness is validated across diverse clinical populations.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Biosensors; Imaging techniques; Nanocarriers; Nanoparticles; Ovarian cancer.

Fig. 1

Nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in ovarian cancer

Fig. 2

Showing the innovative designs of multimodal nanoparticles with intrinsic capabilities for both imaging and targeted therapy encapsulated in nanomedicine. The exploration of multimodal nanoparticles represents a significant advancement in the field of medical imaging and therapy, demonstrating an innovative blend of various imaging techniques in a single platform, thus enhancing the diagnostic capabilities and treatment efficacy for a range of diseases, particularly cancer. The structural design of these nanoparticles typically encompasses a core-shell configuration, where the core, often composed of materials suitable for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), works synergistically alongside a functionalized shell that harbors specific antibodies aimed at targeting particular cells or tissues (A). For instance, the integration of positron emission tomography (PET) capabilities into these nanoparticles is achieved by chelating the PET radiotracer and binding it to a spacer, thereby augmenting the imaging resolution and potential for therapeutic applications. In the context of polymeric nanoparticles, a sophisticated architecture is showcased through the entrapment of paramagnetic moieties, which can enhance the contrast during MRI scans (B). The same principle applies to the optimization of the PET component, as it remains chelated and bound to the spacer, sustaining the multipurpose functionality of the nanoparticle. Such innovative designs not only facilitate precise imaging but can also be leveraged for therapeutic interventions concurrently, representing a holistic approach to disease management. Furthermore, liposomal formulations have been explored for their promising applications in drug delivery and imaging (C). These structures are characterized by an aqueous inner core that can entrap various paramagnetic agents, while the PET component’s covalent linkage to the spacer allows for a seamless combination of imaging modalities. This method of delivering imaging agents in an enclosed environment provides an opportunity for enhanced stability and bioavailability, which are critical for effective tracking of drug administration and target localization. Notably, the approach of inserting paramagnetic ions directly into the lipid bilayer of liposomal formulations is another innovative method demonstrated to improve imaging (D). This advanced method not only retains the integrity and biocompatibility of the liposomal structure but also effectively amplifies the contrast in MRI, thereby providing clearer delineation of tissues or tumor margins during diagnostic assessments. Such multifaceted designs reinforce the concept that technological advancements in nanomedicine can pave the way toward more effective and personalized therapeutic strategies, highlighting a future where treatment modalities are intricately linked with diagnosis. The adaptable nature of these multimodal nanoparticles facilitates an array of applications, including tumor imaging, targeted therapy, and monitoring therapeutic efficacy, all encapsulated within a compact platform. Their superiority over traditional imaging techniques lies in the ability to yield real-time data while simultaneously providing therapeutic agents, addressing the urgent need for efficiency in contemporary healthcare practices. As the demand for precision in medicine grows, the research and development of such nanoparticles signify a pivotal shift toward integrated diagnostic and therapeutic solutions that can cater to individual patient needs