Emerging strategies in developing multifunctional nanomaterials for cancer nanotheranostics

Cancer involves a collection of diseases with a common trait - dysregulation in cell proliferation. At present, traditional therapeutic strategies against cancer have limitations in tackling various tumors in clinical settings. These include chemotherapeutic resistance and the inability to overcome intrinsic physiological barriers to drug delivery. Nanomaterials have presented promising strategies for tumor treatment in recent years. Nanotheranostics combine therapeutic and bioimaging functionalities at the single nanoparticle level and have experienced tremendous growth over the past few years. This review highlights recent developments of advanced nanomaterials and nanotheranostics in three main directions: stimulus-responsive nanomaterials, nanocarriers targeting the tumor microenvironment, and emerging nanomaterials that integrate with phototherapies and immunotherapies. We also discuss the cytotoxicity and outlook of next-generation nanomaterials towards clinical implementation. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The review focuses on recent developments of advanced nanomaterials and nanotheranostics in cancer treatment, particularly in the areas of stimulus-responsive nanomaterials and nanocarriers targeting the tumor microenvironment. The review also discusses the potential cytotoxicity and future prospects of next-generation nanomaterials for clinical implementation.