Advancements in cancer imaging: receptor-targeted approaches for enhanced precision and therapy guidance

Rezaei, S. (2026)

Doctoral Thesis

This PhD thesis explores challenges in cancer diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing nanotechnology’s role in enhancing drug delivery through nanoparticles (NPs). It discusses NP uptake by tumors cells and active tumor-targeting by using cancer cell membrane-coated NPs and peptide-based probes for precise tumor detection and therapy. Additionally, it examines cancer-associated membrane proteins as diagnostic and therapeutic targets and the role of peptides in molecular imaging. This PhD research advances cancer imaging through receptor-targeted approaches, improving precision and guiding therapy for better diagnosis and treatment.

• Nanoparticle drug delivery
• Cancer cell membrane-coated nanoparticles
• Peptide-based molecular imaging
• Receptor-targeted imaging
• Tumor-targeting nanoparticles
• Cancer-associated membrane proteins
• Molecular imaging probes
• Active tumor targeting
• Nanomedicine in oncology
• Precision cancer imaging

• All authors: Rezaei, S.
• Supervisor: Webb, A.
• Co-supervisor: Kuppen, P.J.K.
• Committee: Alves, F.; Geus-Oei, L.F. de; Vries, M.R. de; Seimbille, Y.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2026-03-31
• ISBN (print): 9789465342757
• DOI: doi:10.60602/1887-4300445