Radionanomedicine: widened perspectives of molecular theragnosis.

Despite of promising preclinical results in the fields of in vivo theragnostics of nanomedicine, a majority of attempt for clinical translation has been blocked by unsolved concerns about possible hazards to human body. Theragnosis of nanomedicine relies on the property of huge surface area to volume ratio of nanomaterials, which can offer potential for multi-functionality. Radionanomedicine has a hybrid characteristic of tracer technology and multi-functionality. Thus, key advantage of radionanomedicine is a possibility of using low amount of nanomaterials for theragnosis. This review article focuses on the concept and advantages of radionanomedicine in theragnosis, formulation of radionanomaterials (particularly encapsulation method), in vivo biodistribution and excretion of radionanomaterials, and immune responses to radionanomaterials. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: The expansion of nanomedicine has recently seen the development of a new branch - radionanomedicine. The core concept of radionanomedicine relies on the labeling of radionuclides onto nanomaterials for use both in diagnosis and therapy. In this article, the authors gave a comprehensive review on the current status of radionanomedicine. This should provide interesting reading for practicing clinicians.