Review Article

Nanotechnology-Enabled Precision Oncology: From Cancer Diagnosis to Targeted Therapy and Nanotheranostics

Abstract

Cancer is an important public health problem worldwide and the limitations of conventional therapies continue to stimulate the search for more precise and effective treatments. Nanotechnology-enabled precision oncology, which uses engineered nanomaterials for improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of therapeutic response, has emerged as a promising approach. This review highlights the recent breakthroughs in nanobiotechnology and its expanding impact on cancer care. First, it describes basic principles of nanoparticle-based systems and their use for targeted medication administration, imaging and cancer diagnosis. Particular focus is paid to nano biosensors, nano-enhanced imaging and liquid biopsy methods that potentially enable early identification and real-time monitoring of disease progression. The paper also discusses therapeutic uses of nanobiotechnology as targeted chemotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy and nanoparticle mediated gene transfer. Nanotheranostics is emerging as an approach that integrates diagnostic, imaging, therapy and response monitoring in a single nanoscale platform enabling more personalized therapeutic decisions. However, major obstacles remain for clinical translation, including nanoparticle toxicity,  biodistribution, repeatability, large-scale manufacturing, regulatory approval, cost, and long-term safety. The overview includes emergent trends such as AI-assisted design of nanoparticles, patient-specific nanotherapeutics, optogenetic strategies and sustainable green synthesis. To summarize, the integration of nanobiotechnology with precision medicine holds promise for more tailored, adaptive, and patient-oriented approaches to cancer care. Ongoing collaboration among researchers, physicians, industry and regulatory agencies will be required to translate these promising technologies from experimental research into clinically useful applications.

Authors affiliation:

Kavithaa Krishnamoorthy (ORCID): Centre for Cancer Research, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Coimbatore 641 021, Tamil Nadu, India  & Department of Microbiology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Coimbatore 641 021, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sabarinathan Ramalingam: Department of Biotechnology, Hindusthan College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore 641 028, Tamil Nadu, India.
Senthilkumar Palanisamy (ORCID): Department of Biotechnology, Hindusthan College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore 641 028, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sharon Rozario Solomon David: Department of Biotechnology, Hindusthan College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore 641 028, Tamil Nadu, India.

How To Cite: K. Krishnamoorthy, S. Ramalingam, S. Palanisamy and S.R.S. David. Nanotechnology-Enabled Precision Oncology: From Cancer Diagnosis to Targeted Therapy and Nanotheranostics. Journal of Biomedicine and Biosensors, 6(3):57–67, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58613/jbb637