Quantum dots: emerging applications in urologic oncology.
Quantum dots (QDs), nanometer-sized fluorescent probes with unique optical and electronic properties, offer a promising and powerful tool for cancer imaging and diagnostics. For the past few years, QDs were actively developed for biomolecular profiling of cancer biomarkers, in vivo tumor imaging, and even targeted drug delivery. These emerging applications are currently being improved and integrated into clinical practice. In this article, we describe the development of multifunctional QDs and their potential applications in oncology, with a particular emphasis on the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of urologic cancers.
Shi
Chunmeng
C
Molecular Urology and Therapeutics Program, Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Zhu
Ying
Y
Cerwinka
Wolfgang H
WH
Zhau
Haiyen E
HE
Marshall
Fray F
FF
Simons
Jonathan W
JW
Nie
Shuming
S
Chung
Leland W K
LW
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053758:Nanoparticles; D011379:Prognosis; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D011789:Quantum Theory; D014571:Urologic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor