Nanodiamonds: Next generation nano-theranostics for cancer therapy

Cancer Lett. 2024 Apr 10:587:216710. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216710. Epub 2024 Feb 16.

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, demanding early diagnosis and effective treatment. Traditional therapeutic methods often fall short due to their need for more specificity and systemic toxicity. In this challenging landscape, nanodiamonds (ND) emerge as a potential solution, mitigating the limitations of conventional approaches. ND are tiny carbon particles that mimic traditional diamonds chemical stability and hardness and harness nanomaterials' advantages. ND stands out for the unique properties that make them promising nanotheranostics candidates, combining therapeutic and imaging capabilities in one platform. Many of these applications depend on the design of the particle's surface, as the surface's role is crucial in transporting bioactive molecules, preventing aggregation, and building composite materials. This review delves into ND's distinctive features, structural and optical characteristics, and their profound relevance in advancing cancer diagnosis and treatment methods. The report delves into how these exceptional ND properties drive the development of state-of-the-art techniques for precise tumor targeting, boosting the effectiveness of chemotherapy as a chemosensitizer, harnessing immunotherapy strategies, facilitating precision medicine, and creating localized microfilm devices for targeted therapies.

Keywords: Bioimaging; Drug-delivery; Microfilm devices; Nano-immunotherapy; Nanodiamonds; Nanotheranostic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Nanodiamonds* / chemistry
  • Nanodiamonds* / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Precision Medicine

Substances

  • Nanodiamonds