Recent Theranostics in Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the common form of cancer occurring worldwide, having a high occurrence rate and also high mortality (death) rate. Chemotherapy and conventional approaches to treat CRCs are outdated and newer strategies are required to combat colorectal cancer. Neoadjuvant therapies have also shown some promise but have some major side effects, like building up intrinsic resistance and systemic toxicity problems associated with such therapies. Cancer nanomedicine, a rapidly developing interdisciplinary research field, is one of the new strategies being developed to address these issues. The use of nanoparticles and nanotechnology in cancer medicine has exploded in popularity over the last few decades. This is due to nanoparticles' suitable physical and chemical properties for in vivo applications. Cancer nanomedicine has been extensively studied in preclinical and clinical settings for targeted drug delivery and imaging. Nanomedicine, along with the theranostic approach, has been proposed as a novel way to improve CRC diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Nano-formulations, Nanoparticles, Prodrugs, Theranostics.