Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Cancer is one of the most pressing global health challenges. Despite significant advancements in conventional therapies, mortality rates for some cancers are still high. Key barriers, such as multidrug resistance, tumor heterogeneity, non-specific targeting, toxicity, and late-stage diagnosis, limit the efficacy of existing therapies. The rapid advancement in nanomedicine has opened new avenues in cancer therapy, particularly through the integration of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (M/MONPs). These nanoparticles play a crucial role in cancer bioimaging, serving as contrast agents in various imaging modalities. Their ability to accumulate selectively in tumor tissues makes them ideal candidates for early detection and real-time monitoring of cancer progression. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis and biomedical applications of M/MONPs in cancer treatment. It highlights their roles as therapeutic and diagnostic tools, elucidates their mechanisms of action, and addresses key concerns related to toxicity, biocompatibility, and clinical translation.