Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Lanthanides in oncology: A narrative review of advances in imaging, therapy, and theranostics

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
1 Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3 Department of Pharmacognosy and Traditional Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/ijbms.2026.95959.20699
Abstract
Conventional cancer therapies typically appear constrained by systemic toxicity and developed drug resistance, necessitating the establishment of high-precision diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. This review assesses the transformational potential of the lanthanide series in oncology, specifically their distinct 4f-electronic arrangement and magnetic properties to create versatile biomedical medications. We outline the latest developments in diagnostic modalities, following the transition from classic gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents to deep-tissue near-infrared (NIR-II) luminescent probes and emerging nuclear imaging isotopes, including terbium-152. Therapeutically, the article explores lanthanide-mediated cytotoxicity mechanisms such as oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. We also address the clinical efficacy of targeted radioligand therapy, particularly Lutetium-177, and the introduction of synergistic photodynamic and photothermal interventions using nanoparticles. The spotlight is placed on integrated “theranostic” systems, in which the isostructural modularity of lanthanides enables the formation of chemically identical matched pairs for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. Despite this potential, clinical application remains limited by concerns about kinetic stability and long-term tissue retention. We recommend that future investigations prioritize thermodynamically stable, stimuli-responsive substances to overcome toxicity obstacles and establish lanthanides as critical components of next-generation precision oncology.
Keywords
Subjects

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Available Online from 31 October 2026