Molecular Probes, Nanobodies, and Targeted Nanotheranostics for Cancer Imaging, Immunodiagnosis, and Photodynamic Therapy

Molecular oncology has entered a transformative era where diagnostic and therapeutic modalities converge to create targeted, image-guided treatment strategies. Recent advances in fluorescent molecular probes, photosensitizers, and nanobodies have enabled precise visualization of cancer biomarkers and real-time therapeutic monitoring. Near-infrared (NIR) active dyes, capable of deep-tissue imaging with reduced autofluorescence, are facilitating intraoperative guidance and early detection of malignancies such as oral and head and neck cancers. Antibody- and nanobody-based imaging agents, which can be tuned for specific targets like PD-L1 or COX-2, are increasingly being explored for both immunodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Despite remarkable advancements in probe design, enzyme-responsive nanotheranostics, and NIR-II platforms, critical translational barriers persist in optimizing biocompatibility, photostability, and clinical efficacy. Integrating molecular chemistry, nanotechnology, and immunology remains essential to bridge the gap between preclinical innovation and patient-centered application.This Research Topic aims to unify developments across molecular probes, nanobody engineering, and nanotheranostic platforms to advance cancer imaging and therapy. The goal is to accelerate the design of multifunctional molecules that provide synergistic benefits of detection, monitoring, and therapy within a single construct. Key objectives include elucidating the mechanisms of probe activation, improving targeting precision via biomarker-specific conjugation, exploring enzyme-responsive or redox-triggered nanoplatforms, and refining photodynamic modalities through type I/II reactive oxygen species generation. Questions remain regarding how to best integrate multimodal approaches—such as NIR-II fluorescence and MRI—and how to maximize selective tumor accumulation while minimizing systemic off-target effects. Through an interdisciplinary perspective, this Research Topic seeks to catalyze clinical translation from the laboratory to real-world oncology applications.To gather further insights into molecularly driven cancer diagnosis and treatment technologies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Design and synthesis of NIR-I/NIR-II fluorescent probes and photosensitizers for biomarker targeting (COX-2, PD-L1, alkaline phosphatase, tyrosine kinase, etc.)• Antibody- and nanobody-conjugated dye systems for diagnostic and intraoperative cancer imaging• Nanobody platforms for multimodal tumor imaging and targeted therapy (NIR-II, MRI, PET)• Enzyme-activatable and ROS-responsive prodrug nanotheranostics using PLGA, perfluorocarbon, or hybrid nanoparticles• Photodynamic and photochemical therapy mechanisms emphasizing lysosomal disruption, type I/II ROS, and hypoxia-adapted strategies• Immunodiagnostic tools for biomarker detection, immune cell tracking, and tumor microenvironment profiling• Translational advancements from small animal models to human clinical studies in image-guided surgery and cancer therapy Topic editors: Bhaskar Gurram, Kiran Alluri, AVIK CHATTOPADHYAY, Lakshminarayana Satham, Pratikshkumar Patel Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81858/molecular-probes-nanobodies-and-targeted-nanotheranostics-for-cancer-imaging-immunodiagnosis-and-photodynamic-therapy