Application of nanomaterials in enhancing internal radiotherapy of radionuclide for cancer

The therapeutic efficiency of radionuclides for cancer is closely related to the accumulation level, residence time and distribution in tumor, and is also influenced by the radiation resistance and hypoxia microenvironment of tumor. Nanomaterials, with a series of characteristics including special dimension effect and functionally modifiable surface, can not only work as the isotopic carrier to transport nuclide into tumor, but also combine with chemical, thermal or photodynamic therapies to generate synergistic therapeutic effect or destroy the hypoxic microenvironment of tumor to reduce radiation resistance, thus achieving the radiosensitization effect. This article reviews the application of nanomaterials in enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of radionuclide for cancer. Key words: Neoplasms; Radiotherapy; Radioisotopes; Radiation-sensitizing agents; Nanostructures; Trends