Designing inorganic nanoparticles into computed tomography and magnetic resonance (CT/MR) imaging-guidable photomedicines

The recent decade has witnessed tremendous advances in therapeutic approaches for combating cancer. In particular, the emergence of nanotechnology has unlocked novel research opportunities for precision and personalized photomedicine. New multifunctional theranostic nanoplatforms have been actively investigated to accurately assess tumor parameters (location, size, and shape) for delivering appropriate therapy. Among these nanoplatforms, inorganic nanoparticles have garnered enormous attention from many research groups owing to their tailorable morphology (size, shape, porosity, etc.) and physicochemical (optical, magnetic, catalytic, X-ray opacity, etc.) characteristics. This review highlights the recent research endeavors on expanding the imaging frontiers of inorganic nanoparticles along with simultaneous cancer phototherapy. We extensively explored and critically analyzed literature published on the integration of the most commonly applied imaging modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, into inorganic nanoparticles for imaging-guided phototherapy. This review ends with a description of the future perspectives in developing imaging-guidable photomedicines with potential clinical applications.