Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle-based nanosystems for cancer theranostics

The advancement of nanotechnology in the biomedical field has garnered growing interest due to the diverse physical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and their potential applications in cancer theranostics. Although various nanodrug delivery systems, such as polymeric, lipid-based, and gold NPs, are available, superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs (SPIONs) have attracted significant attention due to their multifunctionality, biocompatibility, ease of surface functionalization, and responsiveness to external magnetic fields, enabling both cancer diagnostics and drug delivery applications. This review provides an overview of SPIONs as a powerful theranostic tool in cancer treatment. It also focuses on the synthesis and stabilization of SPIONs, discussing various protection and stabilization strategies using both organic coatings (synthetic and natural polymers) and inorganic coatings (such as silica and gold), as well as liposomes. In addition, the review highlights targeted biomedical applications of SPIONs, including magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia, and drug delivery. Finally, it also addresses the challenges and limitations of SPIONs, as well as their future perspective in clinical translation in cancer theranostics.