Work

Graphene quantum dot nanotheranostics in oncologic radiology: from engineering principles to clinical translation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are versatile nanotheranostic agents in oncologic radiology, offering multimodal imaging and therapy through tunable structures, surface engineering, doping, defects, and hybrid designs. The review further examines how these engineering parameters influence imaging performance, biological interactions, and therapeutic functionality. Beyond material design, the article analyzes the evolution of quantum dots within oncologic radiology, highlighting the transition from conventional contrast agents toward multifunctional theranostic systems and discussing quantum confinement, multimodal imaging, and theranostic convergence as key radiological design paradigms. Current translational evidence is evaluated across magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, fluorescence-guided imaging, image-guided drug delivery, photothermal therapy, radiosensitization, and adaptive stimulus-responsive platforms. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying emerging design trends, including modular nanoarchitectures, intelligent theranostics, and precision oncology-oriented systems. Finally, major barriers to clinical implementation are examined, including structural standardization, reproducibility, biological complexity, regulatory challenges, and manufacturing scalability. The analysis suggests that future progress will depend on establishing predictive structure–property–function relationships and integrating advanced nanomaterial engineering with radiological sciences, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine to enable clinically actionable nanotheranostic platforms.

Source: Advances in Redox Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.arres.2026.100209