Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
The idea of making biocompatible multifunctional nanoparticles, combining therapy, imaging and targeting, was aimed at cancer from the start a dozen years ago. This presentation will emphasize targeted theranostic nanoparticles, where “theranostic” literally means combining therapy and diagnostics, but more generally may mean a combination of imaging/visualization with therapy/surgery. Specific examples will cover (1) imaging (MRI, CT and optical methods), (2) therapy (chemo, photodynamic, radiation) and (3) guided surgery (using intra-operative imaging and therapy). Progress on brain and on head and neck cancer will be reported.