Curcumin-loaded nanotheranostics for cancer therapy: Advances in biosensing, imaging, and multimodal therapy
Yijie Zhang, Tianhao Zhang, Cui Cui, Zhiye Bao, Yang Liu, Jian Sun, Wei Wang
Abstract
Curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa , has long attracted scientific interest due to its potent anticancer properties, including pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects across a broad range of malignancies. However, its clinical application remains hindered by intrinsic limitations such as poor aqueous solubility, low systemic bioavailability, and rapid metabolic degradation. To overcome these barriers, nanotechnology-based strategies have emerged as transformative tools in cancer therapy. In particular, nanotheranostics, nanoscale systems that combine diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities in a single platform, offer significant promise for enhancing curcumin delivery, targeting, and functionality. This review comprehensively explores recent advances in curcumin-loaded nanotheranostic platforms, emphasizing their dual role in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Key developments include the design of curcumin-based nanoparticles for biosensing of tumor biomarkers (e.g., HER2, EGFR) using electrochemical, fluorescence, and plasmonic approaches, as well as integration with imaging modalities such as MRI, fluorescence, photoacoustic imaging, and SPECT/CT. The review also highlights the emergence of multimodal therapeutic platforms combining curcumin with photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and stimuli-responsive systems to improve efficacy and minimize off-target effects. While preclinical results are promising, translational hurdles such as scale-up, regulatory approval, and clinical validation remain significant. Looking forward, the integration of curcumin nanotheranostics with artificial intelligence, liquid biopsies, and wearable biosensors may pave the way for personalized, adaptive cancer management. This review underscores the potential of nanotechnology to unlock curcumin’s full therapeutic utility and accelerate its translation into clinically meaningful cancer interventions.