Application of multifunctional nanomaterials in tumor radiosensitization

Radiation therapy kills tumor cells via focused high energy radiation, and has become one of the most common and effective clinical treatments for malignant tumors. However, some limitations restrict its clinical efficacy, including a requirement for elevated doses of radiation, side effects due to exposure of healthy tissue, and especially radioresistance of tumor cells. With the development of nanomedicine, multifunctional nanoradiosensitizers offer a new route to improve the efficiency of radiation therapy. In this paper, we summarize the main types of nanoradiosensitizers and their applications in radiation therapy, especially those that have currently entered clinical trials. We also summarize the main approaches to nanomaterials-based radiosensitization, and discuss the factors influencing their application. Finally, the challenges and prospects of multifunctional nanoradiosensitizers are presented.