Nanotheranostics for Early Detection and Treatment of Minimal Residual Disease in Cancer

Nabuuma Ruth Nambi

Department of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

Email: nambi.nabuuma@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

                                                                   ABSTRACT
Minimal residual disease (MRD) refers to the small population of  malignant cells that persist after apparently successful cancer treatment and remain below the detection limit of conventional diagnostic tools. MRD is a major driver of cancer relapse, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance, representing a critical unmet need in oncology. Nanotheranostics—integrated nanoscale platforms that combine diagnostic and therapeutic functions—have emerged as a promising strategy for the early detection and targeted eradication of MRD. By exploiting unique tumor-associated biomarkers, microenvironmental cues, and cellular vulnerabilities, nanotheranostic systems enable highly sensitive imaging, real-time disease monitoring, and precision drug delivery. This review examines the role of nanotheranostics in addressing the biological and clinical challenges of MRD. We discuss the molecular basis of MRD, limitations of current detection and treatment approaches, and the design principles underlying nanotheranostic platforms. Emphasis is placed on multifunctional nanoparticles capable of simultaneous imaging and therapy, as well as stimulus-responsive systems tailored to the MRD niche. Preclinical advances, translational challenges, and future directions toward clinical implementation are critically analyzed. Collectively, nanotheranostics represent a transformative approach for improving long-term cancer control by enabling earlier intervention and preventing disease recurrence.

Keywords: nanotheranostics; minimal residual disease; early cancer detection; targeted therapy; precision oncology.

CITE AS: Nabuuma Ruth Nambi (2026). Nanotheranostics for Early Detection and Treatment of Minimal Residual Disease in Cancer. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES, 7(2):84-89. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2026/72.8489