Application and Importance of Theranostics in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer

The number of cancer cases worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality is a serious concern, despite the presence of therapeutic interventions and supportive care. Limitations in the current available diagnosis methods and treatments methods may contribute to the increase in cancer mortality. Theranostics, is a novel approach that has opened avenues for the simultaneous precise diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients. Although still in the early development stage, theranostic agents such as quantum dots, radioisotopes, liposomes and plasmonic nanobubbles can be bound to anticancer drugs, cancer cell markers and imaging agents, with the support of available imaging techniques, provide the potential to facilitate diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer patients. Herein, we discuss the potential benefits of several theranostic tools for the management of cancer. Specifically, quantum dots, radio-labelled isotopes, liposomes and plasmonic nanobubbles coupled with targeting agents and/or anticancer molecules and imaging agents as theranostic agents are deliberated upon in this review. Overall, the use of theranostic agents shows promise in cancer management. Nevertheless, intensive research is required to realize these expectations.