The development of selective and minimally invasive strategies for cancer diagnosis and treatment remains a major challenge in modern oncology. Conventional imaging and therapeutic approaches often suffer from limited specificity, resulting in unintended damage to healthy tissues. In this study, we propose a multifunctional nanotheranostic platform based on functionalized metal-based quantum dots and nanoparticles for targeted cancer imaging and therapy.

The proposed system involves the synthesis of gold and silver quantum dots/nanoparticles followed by surface modification with biocompatible polymers and tumor-targeting ligands such as peptides or folic acid. These ligands are intended to enable selective recognition of overexpressed receptors commonly found in solid tumor cells, including breast and lung cancers. Owing to their unique optical and plasmonic properties, the engineered nanostructures are expected to provide high-contrast fluorescence and surface-enhanced imaging for real-time visualization of malignant cells.

Upon selective cellular uptake, the nanoplatform is designed to generate localized photothermal and reactive oxygen species-mediated cytotoxic effects under controlled light irradiation, leading to targeted destruction of cancer cells while minimizing adverse effects on surrounding healthy tissues. The incorporation of biocompatible surface coatings is expected to enhance stability, circulation time, and biosafety.

This conceptual study outlines an integrated approach combining diagnosis and therapy within a single nanosystem, offering a promising framework for precision oncology. Future in vitro and in vivo investigations are planned to validate the feasibility, safety, and therapeutic efficacy of the proposed strategy.