Glioma nanomedicine: Design, fabrication and theranostic application

As primary intracranial tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), gliomas pose formidable challenges in the field of oncology due to their aggressiveness, poor prognosis, high risk of recurrence, and low survival rates. Addressing these daunting challenges has prompted a growing interest in nanotechnology, particularly in the development of nanoparticles, as a potential avenue for glioma treatment. This comprehensive review is dedicated to exploring the pivotal role of nanotechnology in both the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas. A major focus lies in overcoming one of the most significant barriers to effective treatment of brain diseases -the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB acts as a powerful guardian, preventing harmful substances from entering the brain from the bloodstream, thereby hindering the delivery of therapeutic drugs to affected brain cells. In this context, we delve into recent advances in the use of nanoparticles to surmount the BBB's defenses and facilitate the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to gliomas. Additionally, we provide insights into the challenges and critical considerations of nanomedicine development tailored to the unique needs of brain cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our goal is to expand our understanding of design principles and construct nanomedicines for the diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer.