ABSTRACT
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are products of nanotechnology which have been intensively experimentally considered as drug delivery carriers, hyperthermia, and contrast agents with the particular focus on cancer treatment. This chapter provides an overview of the main research aspects in this field, including common approaches for magnetite core synthesis; main strategies for coating and functionalization of SPIONs surface with targeting ligands, imaging, or therapeutic moieties, drug release mechanisms; the principles of their usage in magnetic fluid hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging; safety considerations. The potential for enhancement of diagnostic and therapy of cancer is described in detail. The multifunctionality of SPIONs is pointed as their specific feature enables integration of cancer diagnosis and therapy (theranostic).
