Search Results (170)

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Despite advancements, the overall survival rate for lung cancer remains between 10% and 20% in most countries. However, recent progress in diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies has led to meaningful improvements in survival outcomes, highlighting the growing importance of personalized management based on accurate disease assessment. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) has become essential in the management of lung cancer, serving as a key imaging modality for initial diagnosis, staging, treatment response assessment, and follow-up evaluation. Recent developments in radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and deep learning, have revolutionized the analysis of complex imaging data, enhancing the diagnostic and predictive capabilities of FDG PET/CT in lung cancer. However, the limitations of FDG, including its low specificity for malignancy, have driven the development of novel oncologic radiotracers. One such target is fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that is overexpressed in activated cancer-associated fibroblasts within the tumor microenvironment of various epithelial cancers. As a result, FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals represent a novel theranostic approach, offering the potential to integrate PET imaging with radioligand therapy (RLT). In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of FDG PET/CT in lung cancer, along with recent advances in AI. Additionally, we discuss FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging and their potential application in RLT for the personalized management of lung cancer. Full article

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing medicine by enabling highly precise diagnostics, targeted therapies, and personalized healthcare solutions. This review explores the multifaceted applications of nanotechnology across medical fields such as oncology and infectious disease control. Engineered nanoparticles (NPs), such as liposomes, polymeric carriers, and carbon-based nanomaterials, enhance drug solubility, protect therapeutic agents from degradation, and enable site-specific delivery, thereby reducing toxicity to healthy tissues. In diagnostics, nanosensors and contrast agents provide ultra-sensitive detection of biomarkers, supporting early diagnosis and real-time monitoring. Nanotechnology also contributes to regenerative medicine, antimicrobial therapies, wearable devices, and theranostics, which integrate treatment and diagnosis into unified systems. Advanced innovations such as nanobots and smart nanosystems further extend these capabilities, enabling responsive drug delivery and minimally invasive interventions. Despite its immense potential, nanomedicine faces challenges, including biocompatibility, environmental safety, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory oversight. Addressing these issues is essential for clinical translation and public acceptance. In summary, nanotechnology offers transformative tools that are reshaping medical diagnostics, therapeutics, and disease prevention. Through continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration, it holds the potential to significantly enhance treatment outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and usher in a new era of precise and personalized medicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful, non-invasive diagnostic tool capable of capturing detailed anatomical and physiological information. MRI contrast agents enhance image contrast but, especially linear gadolinium-based compounds, have been associated with safety concerns. This has prompted interest in alternative contrast agents. Manganese-based contrast agents offer a promising substitute, owing to manganese’s favorable magnetic properties, natural biological role, and strong T1 relaxivity. This review aims to critically assess the structure, mechanisms, applications, and challenges of manganese-based contrast agents in MRI. Methods: This review synthesizes findings from preclinical and clinical studies involving various types of manganese-based contrast agents, including small-molecule chelates, nanoparticles, theranostic platforms, responsive agents, and controlled-release systems. Special attention is given to pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and safety evaluations. Results: Mn-based agents demonstrate promising imaging capabilities, with some achieving relaxivity values comparable to gadolinium compounds. Targeted uptake mechanisms, such as hepatocyte-specific transport via organic anion-transporting polypeptides, allow for enhanced tissue contrast. However, concerns remain regarding the in vivo release of free Mn²⁺ ions, which could lead to toxicity. Preliminary toxicity assessments report low cytotoxicity, but further comprehensive long-term safety studies should be carried out. Conclusions: Manganese-based contrast agents present a potential alternative to gadolinium-based MRI agents pending further validation. Despite promising imaging performance and biocompatibility, further investigation into stability and safety is essential. Additional research is needed to facilitate the clinical translation of these agents. Full article

The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor incidence, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment have become a research focus in the field of biomedicine. In this study, we developed a smart small-molecule probe, TZ2, featuring pH/GSH dual-responsive characteristics. TZ2 exhibits a unique pH-dependent reaction mechanism: GSH is preferentially covalently modified with maleimide groups in acidic microenvironments (pH < 7), while specifically activating nucleophilic substitutions under alkaline conditions (pH > 7). It is worth noting that TZ2 effectively eliminates intracellular glutathione (GSH) in a time and concentration-dependent manner, demonstrating significant GSH depletion ability in various tumor cell lines. Pharmacodynamic studies have shown that TZ2 not only inhibits the cell cycle by regulating the expression of cell cycle-related proteins, but also effectively suppresses the cloning ability of cancer cells. Furthermore, TZ2 significantly increases the sensitivity of drug-resistant cancer cells to cisplatin. By integrating microenvironment modulation, real-time monitoring, and synergistic therapy, TZ2 provides a novel molecular tool and theoretical basis for tumor theranostics integration. Full article

Nanotechnology is transforming contemporary medicine by providing cutting-edge tools for the treatment and diagnosis of complex disorders. Advanced techniques such as bioimaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) combine early diagnosis and targeted therapy, offering a more precise approach than conventional treatments. However, a significant obstacle for PDT is the need to selectively deliver photosensitizers to disease sites while minimizing systemic side effects. In this context, mesenchymal stem cells have emerged as promising biological carriers due to their natural tropism towards tumors, low immunogenicity, and their ability to overcome biological barriers. In this study, two push–pull compounds, NPI-PTZ and BTZ-PTZ, phenothiazine derivatives featuring aggregation-induced emission (AIE) abilities, were analyzed. These molecules proved to be excellent fluorescent probes and photosensitizing agents. When administered to human bone marrow-derived multipotent stromal cells (hBM-MSCs) and human adipose multipotent stem cells (hASCs), the compounds were efficiently internalized, maintained a stable fluorescent emission for several days, and showed phototoxicity after irradiation, without inducing major cytotoxic effects under normal conditions. These results highlight the potential of NPI-PTZ and BTZ-PTZ combined with mesenchymal stem cells as theranostic tools, bridging bioimaging and PDT, and suggest new possibilities for advanced therapeutic approaches in clinical applications. Full article

Prostate cancer remains a major global health challenge, ranking as the second most common malignancy in men worldwide. Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have transformed its management, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. This review highlights recent breakthroughs in imaging, including multiparametric MRI and PSMA-PET, which have improved cancer detection and staging. Biomarker-based diagnostics, such as PHI and 4K Score, offer precise risk stratification, reducing unnecessary biopsies. Innovations in treatment, including robotic-assisted surgery, novel hormone therapies, immunotherapy, and PARP inhibitors, are redefining care for localized and advanced prostate cancer. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are emerging as powerful tools to optimize diagnostics, risk prediction, and treatment personalization. Additionally, advances in radiation therapy, such as IMRT and SBRT, provide targeted and effective options for high-risk patients. While these innovations have significantly improved survival and minimized overtreatment, challenges remain in optimizing therapy sequencing and addressing disparities in care. The integration of AI, theranostics, and gene-editing technologies holds immense promise for the future of prostate cancer management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medulloblastoma is a rare tumor that represents almost two-thirds of all embryonal pediatric brain tumor cases. Current treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, are often associated with adverse effects, such as toxicity, resistance, and lack of specificity. According to multiple bulk and single-cell omics-based approaches, it is now clear that each molecular subgroup of medulloblastoma possesses intrinsic genetic and molecular features that could drive the definition of distinct therapeutic targets, and of markers that have the potential to improve diagnosis. Nanomedicine offers a promising approach to overcome these challenges through precision-targeted therapies and theranostic platforms that merge diagnosis and treatment. This review explores the role of nanomedicine in medulloblastoma. Here, possible theranostic nanoplatforms combining targeted drug delivery and simultaneous imaging are reviewed, highlighting their potential as tools for personalized medicine. Methods: We performed a chronological analysis of the literature by using the major web-based research platforms, focusing on molecular targets, and the potential application of nanomedicine to overcome conventional treatment limitations. Results: Advances in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems enable selective targeting of key molecular pathways, improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. Additionally, nanotechnology-based imaging agents, including MRI contrast agents and fluorescent probes, improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment monitoring. Despite these advantages, some significant challenges remain, including overcoming the blood–brain barrier, ensuring biocompatibility, and addressing regulatory pathways for clinical translation. Conclusions: In conclusion, we sought to identify the current knowledge on the topic and hope to inspire future research to obtain new nanoplatforms for personalized medicine. Full article

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a serine protease selectively expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), fibrotic tissues, and areas of active tissue remodeling, making it an attractive target for diagnostic imaging across a spectrum of disease. FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) labeled with PET tracers have rapidly advanced as a novel imaging modality with broad clinical applications that offers several advantages, including rapid tumor accumulation, low background uptake, and high tumor-to-background ratios. In oncology, FAPI PET has demonstrated excellent performance in visualizing a wide range of malignancies, including those with low glycolytic activity, such as pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and certain sarcomas. Its high sensitivity and specificity for the stromal component enables improved tumor delineation, staging, and response assessment. Additionally, the potential to guide theranostic approaches, where the same tracer can be labeled with therapeutic radionuclides, positions FAPI as a key player in precision oncology. Beyond oncology, FAPI PET has shown promise in imaging conditions characterized by fibrotic and inflammatory processes. In the cardiovascular field, FAPI PET imaging is being investigated for its ability to detect myocardial fibrosis and active cardiac remodeling, crucial in conditions like heart failure, post-myocardial infarction remodeling, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This review highlights the expanding clinical applications of FAPI-based PET imaging across oncology, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. While the current data are promising, further large-scale studies and multicenter trials are essential to validate these findings and establish standardized protocols. The versatility and broad applicability of FAPI PET underscore its potential as a transformative tool in precision medicine. Full article

Ocular cystinosis is a disease in which accumulated cystine crystals cause damage to the eyes, necessitating timely treatment and ongoing monitoring of cystine levels. The current treatment involves frequent administration of cysteamine eye drops, which suffer from low bioavailability and can lead to drug toxicity, making it essential to prescribe an appropriate dosage based on the patient’s condition. Additionally, cystine crystal levels are typically assessed subjectively via slit-lamp examination, requiring frequent clinical visits and causing discomfort for the patient. In this study, we propose a theranostic contact lens that simultaneously performs therapy and diagnosis on a single platform utilizing gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The binding interactions between GNPs and cystine were confirmed in solution, and thermodynamic analysis further elucidated the bonding force between the two substances. With a comprehensive understanding of these interactions, we investigated the potential of the theranostic GNP-loaded contact lens (GNP-CL). Upon exposure to various concentrations of cystine, the GNP-CL demonstrated distinct color changes, transitioning from red to blue. This color shift enabled quantitative monitoring of cystine levels. The treatment efficacy was validated by confirming a reduction in cystine concentration following the reaction. This platform has the potential to improve disease management in ocular cystinosis by reducing the reliance on cysteamine and offering an objective self-monitoring tool that does not require specialized equipment. Full article

The current standard of care for brain tumor management includes maximal safe surgical resection followed by concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Recent advances in image-guided surgical techniques have enhanced the precision of tumor resections, yet there remains a critical need for innovative technologies to further improve patient outcomes. Techniques such as fluorescence image-guided neurosurgery in combination with stereotactic radiosurgery have improved outcomes for patients with brain tumors. In this article for Brain Science’s Special Issue Recent Advances in Translational Neuro-Oncology, we review the use of image-guided neurosurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of brain tumors. In addition, we summarize the emerging use of theranostic nanoparticles for the delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to enable the neurosurgeon to perform more precise surgical resections in the operating room, to specifically target the delivery of existing and novel treatments to tumor cells, and to augment the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery. These innovative translational tools will allow neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, and radiation oncologists to go “beyond the knife” to improve the survival of brain tumor patients. Full article

In recent years, nanoscience and nanotechnology have gained prominence within materials science, offering new opportunities for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Advances in nanotechnology have allowed for the manipulation and size control of nanomaterials, leading to the development of a wide range of materials. The use of nanomaterials as chemical biology tools in cancer theranostics has been widely investigated, owing to their enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and improved cell permeability. These properties enable precise targeting while addressing the limitations of conventional cancer treatments. Nanoflowers, a specific class of nanomaterials, have recently attracted significant interest due to their promising properties for several biomedical applications. However, despite the growing attention toward nanoflowers, detailed reviews on the subject have been limited. This work focuses on two primary types of hybrid nanoflowers: iron- and copper-based ones. Within this article an overview of recent applications in cancer theranostics are thoroughly reviewed, while the synthesis processes for controlling morphology and size, underlying functions, and their characteristics and uses are also extensively explored, aiming to provide a guide for future developments in the field. Full article

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, with metastasis, particularly to bone, being the primary cause of mortality. Currently, prognostic markers like PSA levels and Gleason classification are limited in predicting metastasis, emphasizing the need for novel clinical biomarkers. New molecules predicting tumor progression have been identified over time. Some, such as the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) PD-1/PD-L1, have become valid markers as theranostic tools essential for prognosis and drug target therapy. However, despite the success of ICIs as an anti-cancer therapy for solid tumors, their efficacy in treating bone metastases has mainly proven ineffective, suggesting intrinsic resistance to this therapy in the bone microenvironment. This study explores the potential of immunological intratumoral biomarkers, focusing on placental growth factor (PlGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 (VEGFR1), and Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1), in predicting bone metastasis formation. Methods: we analyzed PCa samples from patients with and without metastasis by immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Results revealed that PlGF expression is significantly higher in primary tumors of patients that developed metastasis within five years from the histological diagnosis. Additionally, PlGF expression correlates with increased VEGFR1 and PD-1 levels, as well as the presence of intratumoral M2 macrophages. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PlGF contributes to an immunosuppressive environment, thus favoring tumor progression and metastatic process. Results here highlight the potential of integrating these molecular markers with existing prognostic tools to enhance the accuracy of metastasis prediction in PCa. By identifying patients at risk for metastasis, clinicians can tailor treatment strategies more effectively, potentially improving survival outcomes and quality of life. This study underscores the importance of further research into the role of intratumoral biomarkers in PCa management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Disease recurrence and resistance to radioiodine (RAI) therapy are major challenges in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). In particular, the TENIS (Thyroglobulin Elevated Negative Iodine Scintigraphy) syndrome, characterised by elevated thyroglobulin (Tg) serum levels in addition to a negative radioiodine whole body scan (WBS), complicates disease monitoring and treatment decisions. Conventional imaging techniques often fail to detect disease in WBS-negative patients with rising Tg levels, leading to limitations in therapeutic intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of nuclear imaging modalities in detecting disease recurrence in patients with the TENIS syndrome and to provide insights to guide therapeutic approaches in this complex clinical scenario. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to March 2024 was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were selected, and quality assessment was performed with the QUADAS-2 tool. For each study, relevant data were extracted and synthesised. A meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT was performed, and patient-based pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results: Of the 538 studies initially identified, 22 were included in the systematic review, of which 18 were eligible for meta-analysis. The eligible studies, mainly focused on [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT, showed variable sensitivity and specificity for the detection of RAI-refractory thyroid cancer lesions. For [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT, pooled estimates displayed a sensitivity of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82–0.90) and a specificity of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61–0.86), with moderate heterogeneity between studies. Conclusions: [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT remains central in the detection of disease recurrence in patients with the TENIS syndrome. The emergence of novel radiopharmaceuticals with specific molecular targets is a promising way to overcome the limitations of [¹⁸F]FDG in these patients and to open new theranostics perspectives. This review highlights the great potential of nuclear medicine in guiding therapeutic strategies for RAI-refractory thyroid cancer. Full article

The increase in the variety of nano-based tools offers new possibilities to approach the therapy of poorly treatable tumors, which includes glioblastoma multiforme (GBM; a primary brain tumor). The available nanocomplexes exhibit great potential as vehicles for the targeted delivery of anti-GBM compounds, including chemotherapeutics, nucleic acids, and inhibitors. The main advantages of nanoparticles (NPs) include improved drug stability, increased penetration of the blood–brain barrier, and better precision of tumor targeting. Importantly, alongside their drug-delivery ability, NPs may also present theranostic properties, including applications for targeted imaging or photothermal therapy of malignant brain cells. The available NPs can be classified into two categories according to their core, which can be metal or non-metal based. Among non-metal NPs, the most studied in regard to GBM treatment are exosomes, liposomes, cubosomes, polymeric NPs, micelles, dendrimers, nanogels, carbon nanotubes, and silica- and selenium-based NPs. They are characterized by satisfactory stability and biocompatibility, limited toxicity, and high accumulation in the targeted tumor tissue. Moreover, they can be easily functionalized for the improved delivery of their cargo to GBM cells. Therefore, the non-metal NPs discussed here, offer a promising approach to improving the treatment outcomes of aggressive GBM tumors. Full article

Since the discovery of cisplatin’s antitumoral activity and its approval as an anticancer drug, significant efforts have been made to enhance its physiological stability and anticancer efficacy and to reduce its side effects. With the rapid development of targeted and personalized therapies, and the promising theranostic approach, platinum drugs have found new opportunities in more sophisticated systems. Theranostic agents combine diagnostic and therapeutic moieties in one scaffold, enabling simultaneous disease monitoring, therapy delivery, response tracking, and treatment efficacy evaluation. In these systems, the platinum core serves as the therapeutic agent, while the functionalized ligand provides diagnostic tools using various imaging techniques. This review aims to highlight the significant role of platinum–based complexes in theranostic applications, and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first focused contribution on this type of platinum compounds. This review presents a brief introduction to the development of platinum chemotherapeutic drugs, their limitations, and resistance mechanisms. It then describes recent advancements in integrating platinum complexes with diagnostic agents for both tumor treatment and monitoring. The main body is organized into three categories based on imaging techniques: fluorescence, positron emission tomography (PET), single–photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Finally, this review outlines promising strategies and future perspectives in this evolving field. Full article