Nanohybrids – cancer theranostics for tiny tumor clusters

Abstract

ABSTRACT Breakthroughs in clinical translation of cancer nanomedicine revolutionized smart theranostics approaches by addressing cancer heterogeneity using multifunctional treatment strategies. Geometrical anisotropy, supramolecular nanoarchitecture, and multiplex functionalities exemplified by various techniques incites the development of integrated multi–modal drug delivery systems for circulating tumor clusters (CTC). Average survival rate of the patients with locally advanced tumor demands the intelligent theranostic system to control the primary progression, invasion and extravasation of CTCs. However, rapid elimination of these highly aggressive and metastatic clusters of tumor cells disseminated in blood, prior to soiling at new distant sites, would increase the lifespan of the patients. This review provides insight on RSSR (Retention, Stealth, Sticky, and Release) strategy for engineering smart hybrid nanostructures to target CTC and thereby terminate the metastatic cascade before formation of secondary niches. Graphical abstract Retention, stealth, sticky and release (RSSR) for trapping and killing of CTCs. Figure. No Caption available.