Nano‑Enabled CT for Cancer Imaging: From Molecular Targeting to Image‑Guided Therapy

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 28 | 01 | Page :
    By

    ATUL KHAJURIA,

  1. Dean, Department of Allied & Health Care Sciences Rayat Bahra Professional University Hoshiarpur – Chandigarh Rd, VPO, Bohan, Hoshiarpur,, Punjab, India

Abstract

Nano‑enabled computed tomography (CT) exploits high‑atomic‑number (high‑Z) nanomaterials engineered with targeting ligands and therapeutic payloads to enhance contrast, enable molecular imaging, and support image‑guided interventions in oncology. Tumor‑specific nanoprobes such as RGD‑modified gold nanorods, polymer‑coated bismuth nanoparticles, and peptide, antibody, or aptamer‑functionalized platforms can intensify tumor conspicuity, allow early lesion detection and staging, and provide real‑time treatment monitoring.  Integration of CT visibility with photothermal, photodynamic, chemo‑, radio‑, and immunotherapeutic functions has led to multifunctional theranostic constructs designed for spatiotemporally controlled drug delivery and ablation. Translation into clinical practice is constrained by the variability of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in humans, challenges in active targeting, tumor heterogeneity, complex dosimetry, and the need for robust response assessment paradigms that integrate quantitative CT metrics with biological endpoints.  This review summarizes the physicochemical principles, major classes of tumor‑targeted CT nanoprobes, theranostic platforms, and translational hurdles, and outlines future directions for clinical implementation of nano‑enabled CT in cancer care.

Keywords: Nano-enabled Computed Tomography (CT) High-Z Nanomaterials Tumor-Targeted Nanoprobes Theranostics Image-Guided Cancer Therapy.

How to cite this article:
ATUL KHAJURIA. Nano‑Enabled CT for Cancer Imaging: From Molecular Targeting to Image‑Guided Therapy. Nano Trends – A Journal of Nano Technology & Its Applications. 2026; 28(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
ATUL KHAJURIA. Nano‑Enabled CT for Cancer Imaging: From Molecular Targeting to Image‑Guided Therapy. Nano Trends – A Journal of Nano Technology & Its Applications. 2026; 28(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/nts/article=2026/view=237723


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 28
01
Received 09/02/2026
Accepted 17/02/2026
Published 27/02/2026
Publication Time 18 Days
60

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