Atomic approaches in cancer therapy: advances, mechanisms, and clinical applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58342/ghalibMj.V.2.I.2.10Keywords:
Atom-based therapy, Radiopharmaceuticals, Nanoparticles, Theranostics, Cancer treatmentAbstract
Background: Atom-based cancer therapies have emerged as a promising class of treatment modalities that exploit the unique physical and chemical properties of various atoms, particularly radioactive isotopes and metallic nanoparticles, for precise and selective tumor targeting. These approaches offer significant advantages over conventional therapies in terms of specificity, minimal invasiveness, and potential for integration with diagnostic tools. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of atom-based therapeutic strategies in oncology, highlighting key atomic elements, mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and technological advancements. The discussion also addresses current challenges and explores future directions in this evolving field.
Methods: This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science was carried out between April and July 2025 using keywords such as "atom-based cancer therapy," "radiopharmaceuticals," "nanoparticles," "alpha emitters," "proton therapy," and "theranostics in oncology." Articles published between 2000 and 2025, written in English, with full-text availability and experimental or clinical data were included. From an initial 215 records, after screening and removal of duplicates and irrelevant studies, 19 eligible articles were finally selected for analysis.
Results: Several atom-based therapies, such as Iodine-131 for thyroid cancer, Lutetium-177 for neuroendocrine tumors, and Radium-223 for metastatic prostate cancer, have demonstrated strong therapeutic outcomes with favorable safety profiles. In parallel, novel platforms involving gold and iron oxide nanoparticles offer promising routes for photothermal therapy and radiosensitization. Nonetheless, barriers such as limited accessibility, complex dosimetry, and biological resistance continue to hinder widespread adoption.
Conclusion: Atom-based therapies represent a transformative advancement in modern oncology, with the potential to reshape cancer treatment through enhanced precision, reduced systemic toxicity, and real-time monitoring. Continued interdisciplinary research and infrastructure development are essential to translate these innovations into widely accessible and personalized cancer care.
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