Multifunctional metal oxide nanoparticles for diverse therapeutic approaches in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma represents a multifaceted challenge, arising from difficulties in establishing an accurate diagnosis, the therapeutic constraints imposed by the altered permeability of the blood-brain barrier and the blood-tumor barrier, and the complexity of post-therapy monitoring. Within emerging therapeutic nanoplatforms, Metal Oxide Nanoparticles (MONPs) are considered viable candidates. With a deeper understanding of the physicochemical properties of MONPs, including size-dependent reactivity, surface chemistry, and optical and magnetic behavior, their applications have expanded beyond conventional drug delivery, enabling integration into various diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles show potential as local photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy, demonstrating efficient reactive oxygen species generation and tumoral cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, iron oxide nanoparticles have shown efficacy, even in clinical trials, functioning both as advanced contrast agents for imaging-based diagnostics and as inducers of tumor cell death through magnetic hyperthermia. The insights presented here underscore the necessity for continued research into biocompatible, tunable, and therapeutically adaptable nanomaterials such as MONPs to address the complexity of glioblastoma, spanning from preoperative diagnosis to postoperative surveillance. Concurrent appraisal of the limitations also examined herein will help clarify the translational feasibility of these nanosystems, either acting as coadjuvants to current therapies or contributing to next-generation teranostics for glioblastoma.