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TheranosticsAnd NanotheranosticsIn Precision Medicine: Integrative Theoretical Foundations, Translational Paradigms, And Disease-Specific Applications
Issue Vol. 3 No. 01 (2026): Volume 03 Issue 01 --- Section Articles
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Abstract
Theranostics, a conceptual and technological paradigm integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functions within a single platform, has emerged as one of the most transformative approaches in modern biomedical science. Rooted in the convergence of molecular imaging, targeted therapy, and nanotechnology, theranostics aims to overcome long-standing limitations of conventional medicine by enabling patient-specific diagnosis, real-time treatment monitoring, and adaptive therapeutic intervention. Over the past two decades, the field has evolved from theoretical propositions to clinically relevant strategies, particularly through the development of nanotheranostics—nanoscale systems engineered to simultaneously diagnose and treat disease. This article presents an exhaustive, theory-driven, and publication-ready synthesis of theranostics and nanotheranostics based strictly on established scholarly literature. Emphasis is placed on foundational principles, mechanistic underpinnings, material design strategies, and translational challenges across oncology, infectious diseases, neurological disorders, osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis.
The article elaborates on the historical emergence of theranostics, tracing its conceptual evolution from molecular diagnostics to multifunctional nanoplatforms. Detailed attention is given to imaging modalities, including optical, magnetic resonance, and nuclear techniques, and their integration with therapeutic payloads such as chemotherapeutics, photothermal agents, and redox-responsive systems. Theoretical discussions extend to stimulus-responsive nanotheranostics, ferritin nanocages, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-regulated platforms, highlighting their capacity to interact dynamically with pathological microenvironments. Disease-specific sections analyze how nanotheranostics enable early diagnosis, spatially controlled drug delivery, and reduced systemic toxicity in complex conditions such as brain cancer, osteoarthritis, and advanced atherosclerosis.
Methodologically, the article adopts a qualitative, integrative research design grounded in critical literature synthesis and conceptual analysis. Results are presented as descriptive findings that elucidate design principles, functional mechanisms, and translational outcomes reported across studies. The discussion critically examines limitations related to biocompatibility, scalability, regulatory approval, and ethical considerations, while also exploring future directions including personalized medicine, image-guided therapy, and smart responsive systems. By providing an extensive theoretical elaboration and nuanced interpretation of existing evidence, this article positions theranostics and nanotheranostics as central pillars of next-generation precision medicine, while also identifying the scientific and clinical milestones required for their widespread adoption.
Keywords
References
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