The potential of nanomaterials in theranostics of oral squamous cell carcinoma: Recent progress

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a main type of oral cancer, is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Subsequent to definite diagnosis of oral cancer, generally a multidisciplinary approach is used in OSCC treatment which consists of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. However, conventional chemotherapeutic agents might be ineffective and induce different side effects. Numerous approaches have been testified and approved for treatment and diagnosis of different types of oral cancer, while some others are undergoing exploration in clinical trials. The aim of the present review is to discuss the recent preclinical status of nano-based strategies for diagnosis and efficient treatment of OSCC. The reviewed literature in this study showed that nano based therapy have advanced to cancer treatment with new procedures in order to solve and reduce the limitations of current cancer treatment or diagnosis. Advances in nanotechnology have also improved rapid and sensitive detection of cancer biomarkers. Several nanoparticles as technological drivers of innovation have been utilized to overcome these drawbacks and improve in situ drug delivery. For analytical applications, research is required into the development of protocols for synthesis and functionalization of nanoparticles. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.