Harnessing nanotheranostics for the management of breast and ovarian cancer

Breast and ovarian cancers affect women across various demographics, with management complexities arising from tumoral heterogeneity, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence risks. Targeted nanotheranostics can revolutionize the concept of individualized care by integrating the diagnosis, delivery, real-time visualization, and outcome assessment into a single nanoscale unit. Engineered nanotheranostics, including inorganic nanoplatforms, polymeric nanostructures, biomimetic nanoparticles, enzyme-sensitive nanoplatforms, quantum dots, etc., enable the site-specific delivery of diagnostics and therapeutics. This article explores the potential of various nanotheranostics, reviewing major studies on nanocarrier-based systems with diverse imaging and therapeutic combinations. It addresses the challenges in fabricating safe, broad-spectrum, and cost-effective nanotheranostics while meeting the regulatory requirements. Venturing into an era of cancer care with highly individualized, safe, and cost-effective nanotheranostics aims to maximize the therapeutic outcomes and meet the evolving needs of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.