Quantum dots as multifunctional materials for tumor imaging and therapy

Abstract

The rapidly developing field of quantum dots (QDs) provides researchers withmore options for imaging modalities and therapeutic strategies. In recent years, QDs werewidely used as multifunctional materials for tumor imaging and therapy due to theircharacteristic properties such as semiconductive, zero-dimension and strong fluorescence.Nevertheless, there still exist the challenges of employing these properties of QDs forclinical diagnosis and therapy. Herein, we briefly review the development, properties andapplications of QDs in tumor imaging and therapy. Future perspectives in these areas arealso proposed as well. © 2013 by the authors.