Flexible Aptamer-Based Nucleolin-Targeting Cancer Treatment Modalities: A Focus on Immunotherapy, Radiotherapy, and Phototherapy

: Cancer radiotherapy and phototherapy have been known as alternative approaches for the treatment of chemotherapy-resistant malignancies. Additionally, cancer immunotherapy has recently demonstrated to be a potential cancer treatment modality that has had its ups and downs despite the heart-warming outcomes it has achieved. However, researchers have proved that nanotechnology-facilitated approaches might bring the success of these modalities to an upper class. The nucleolin-targeting aptamer, AS1411, is among various aptamers utilized for the redirection of nanocarriers carrying radiosensitizers and photosensitizers. Recently, the potential applicability of this aptamer has been investigated in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss how aptamer-mediated nucleolin targeting nanoplatforms might ameliorate the side effects of cancer radiotherapy, phototherapy, and immunotherapy and improve the outcomes of these treatment approaches.