Precision oncology at the nanoscale: nano-optical biosensors for early cancer detection

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Hassan Y.M.; El-Tantawi H.; Ali I.R.; Attia M.S.

Journal: RSC Advances

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Publication Date: 2026

Volume / Issue: Volume 16 / Issue 30

Pages: 27358–27373

ISSN: 20462069

DOI: 10.1039/d6ra02425d

Scopus: View on Scopus

Document Type: Review

Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access

Authors and Affiliations

Hassan Y.M., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt; El-Tantawi H., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt; Ali I.R., Department of Immunology and Treatment Evaluation, Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Attia M.S., Chemistry Department, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 11623, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Cancer remains one of the foremost global health challenges, accounting for approximately 10 million deaths annually worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis is pivotal in improving patient survival rates and enabling curative therapeutic interventions. Over the past two decades, nano-optical biosensors have emerged as transformative diagnostic tools that exploit the unique optical properties of nanomaterials—including localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), fluorescence enhancement, and photonic crystal phenomena—to detect cancer biomarkers at ultralow concentrations. This comprehensive review critically examines the state-of-the-art advances in nano-optical biosensing platforms designed for the early diagnosis of diverse cancer types, including breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian, and prostate cancers. We systematically cover the fundamental design principles governing plasmonic nanostructures, quantum dot-based sensors, nanophotonic waveguides, SERS-active substrates, and lab-on-chip integrated devices. Special emphasis is placed on the clinical translation challenges, including selectivity in complex biomatrices, reproducibility, stability, and regulatory pathways. We also discuss emerging strategies such as machine learning-assisted signal processing, multiplexed biomarker detection, and CRISPR-coupled optical readouts. Comparative performance metrics across platforms are presented through structured tables, and representative fabrication and sensing mechanisms are illustrated. The review concludes with a critical assessment of future directions and unmet needs in the field, aiming to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians working at the interface of nanophotonics and oncology. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026.

Keywords

Biomarkers; Biosensors; Diagnosis; Diseases; Lung cancer; Nanophotonics; Nanosensors; Oncology; Optical properties; Optical waveguides; Patient treatment; Photonic crystals; Photonics; Surface plasmon resonance; Surface scattering; Diagnostics tools; Early cancer detection; Enhanced Raman scattering; Global health; Nano scale; Optical bio-sensors; Patient survivals; Surface enhanced Raman; Survival rate; Therapeutic intervention; Plasmonics

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 0

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