Inorganic Nanoparticles for In Vitro Cancer Diagnosis: A Patent Review

Early detection and treatment of diseases will increase the rate of cancer survival. Improving the performance of current diagnostic assay for cancer is in growing need. Recently, as potential diagnostic tools in the field of oncology, inorganic nanoparticles have received increased attention, which promises the promotion of in vitro cancer diagnosis toward new level of performance. Quantum dots (QDs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are the most promising nanomaterials for in vitro cancer detection. This mini-review surveys the issued patents in recent five years with the use of inorganic nanoparticles for diagnosing cancer.