Nanotechnology in oral cancer: a theranostic approach for diagnosis, targeted therapy, and clinical translation

Oral cancer remains a major challenge in global health due to its often late-stage diagnosis, rapid progression, and relatively poor treatment outcomes. Breakthrough advancements in nanotechnology have provided new solutions for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of oral cancer, characterized by precision, targeting, and minimal invasiveness. Through in-depth exploration and innovation of nanotechnology, preliminary research has been conducted on in situ dosing of oral tumors, its application in photothermal therapy, and its preliminary application in imaging. By fully utilizing the unique physicochemical properties of nanocarriers such as liposomes and dendritic polymers, including intermolecular affinity and molecular pair interactions, targeted and quantitative drug release is achieved, significantly improving drug bioavailability and reducing systemic toxicity, which is of great significance for improving the clinical application of drugs. Real-time, high-precision detection of biomarkers using nanosensors and nanotechnology-based diagnostic devices makes the vision of early, accurate diagnosis a reality. By combining nanotechnology with traditional medical methods, not only has the effectiveness of treatment been greatly improved, but new avenues for personalized treatment of oral cancer have also been opened. Although current clinical applications still face certain limitations, the nanotechnology platforms that are being explored in depth hold the potential for a revolutionary change in the future treatment of unknown malignant tumors that have not yet been fully understood.