Inorganic Nanoparticles for Theranostic Applications: State of the Art Review and Main Future Perspectives

Over the last decade many research efforts have been devoted to the development of combined diagnostic and therapeutic (theranostic) nanosystems for targeted diagnoses and self-tailored treatments of various diseases, especially in the oncologic field. These nanoplatforms are expected to offer great opportunities in personalized medicine, which represents the next future of patient care. The most promising candidates as targeted theranostic agents are based on specific inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) such as superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs, quantum dots, silica nanospheres, gold nanorods and halloysite nanotubes. The present paper provides an overview of the current state of the art in the development of inorganic NPs that can simultaneously act as both contrast agents for non-ionizing cellular imaging techniques and as therapeutic agents, highlighting their potential strengths and critical aspects in view of an actual clinical translation. The most realistic perspectives of personalized medicine based on nanosized theranostic agents are also outlined, taking into account both the associated challenges and the corresponding opportunities.