Unlocking the potential of RGD-conjugated gold nanoparticles: a new frontier in targeted cancer therapy, imaging, and metastasis inhibition

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving field of cancer therapeutics, the potential of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with RGD peptides has emerged as a promising avenue for targeted therapy and imaging. Despite numerous studies demonstrating the effectiveness of RGD-conjugated AuNPs in specifically targeting tumor cells and enhancing radiation therapy (RT), a comprehensive review of these advancements is currently lacking. This review aims to fill this critical gap in the literature. Our analysis reveals that RGD-conjugated AuNPs have shown significant promise in improving the diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer. However, the full potential of this technology is yet to be realized. The development of multifunctional nanoplatforms incorporating AuNPs has opened new horizons for targeted therapy, dual-mode imaging, and inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. This review is of paramount importance as it provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this area, and highlights the areas where further research is needed. It is hoped that this review will inspire further investigations into this promising nanotechnology, ultimately leading to improved cancer diagnosis and therapy. Therefore, the findings presented in this review underscore the potential of AuNPs conjugated with RGD peptides as a revolutionary approach in cancer therapeutics. It is our fervent hope that this review will serve as a catalyst for further research in this exciting field.