title: Cancer theranostics with gold nanoshells.
abstract: Gold nanoshells (AuNSs) present a vivid example of integrating nanoscience in order to solve a biomedical problem. AuNSs exhibit tunable surface plasmon resonance, which can be tuned to the near-infrared region in order to realize optimal tissue penetration. The highly efficient light-to-heat transformation by AuNSs during laser irradiation causes thermal damage to the tumor without damaging healthy organs. Transient nanobubbles can form around AuNSs during laser treatment and induce mechanical stress specifically in tumor cells. AuNSs also serve as a versatile platform for the delivery of various diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In this article, we describe the physicochemical properties of AuNSs in the context of their design, preparation and application in cancer theranostics. Ultimately, we look beyond the current research on AuNSs and discussed future challenges to their successful translation into clinical use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: Marites P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Melancon
mesh_terms: D006046:Gold / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D057145:Nanoshells / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D020349:Surface Plasmon Resonance
chemical_list: D006046:Gold
keywords: cancer imaging; drug delivery; gold nanoshells; hyperthermia; photoacoustic; siRNA; surface plasmon resonance; thermal ablation; tumor penetration; tumor targeting