Theranostic Gold Nanoparticles: A Novel Approach in Head and Neck Cancer.

ABSTRACT

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have been used in biomedical applications since ancient times. Nevertheless, the rapid development of nanotechnology over the past century has led to the recognition of the great potential of AuNP in a wide range of applications. Physiochemical properties and functionalization of the surface of AuNP allow their application in various roles of imaging, diagnosis, and therapy, making them particularly suitable for head and neck cancer. The small size of gold particles enables them to preferentially accumulate at tumor sites to achieve in vivo targeting after systemic administration and efficient light absorption followed by rapid heat conversion, makes them useful in photothermal therapy. The facile surface chemistry of AuNP eases delivery of imaging contrast agents, ligands, or drugs in vivo. The multifunctional nature of AuNP holds great promise as novel anti-cancer therapeutics. This review summarizes the recent development of AuNP in cancer theranostics (therapy and diagnosis).