8. Conclusion and outlook

Due to their intrinsic properties (size-independent X-ray and γ-ray absorption), scalable optical properties (size- and shape-dependent), biocompatibility (size-, shape- and functionalization-dependent), gold nanoparticles represent an ideal platform for cancer imaging and therapy applications. What's more, the addition of complementary properties through appropriate functionalization can broaden their spectrum of biomedical applications. The design of gold nanoparticles coated with gadolinium chelates, for example, opens the way to MRI-guided radiotherapy. This tremendous potential, revealed by numerous multidisciplinary research projects, has stimulated a number of proof-of-concept studies, some of which have recently led to clinical trials (as in the case of AuroLase® nanoshells for photothermal therapy). Without prejudging the trials currently underway, or the economic profitability,...