Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanomedicine: Advancing Cancer Imaging and Therapy

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations have become important in advancing nanoparticle (NP)-based applications for cancer imaging and therapy. This review explores the critical role of MC simulations in modeling complex biological interactions, optimizing NP designs, and enhancing the precision of therapeutic...

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Main Author: James C. L. Chow
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Nanomaterials
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/2/117
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author James C. L. Chow
author_facet James C. L. Chow
author_sort James C. L. Chow
collection DOAJ
description Monte Carlo (MC) simulations have become important in advancing nanoparticle (NP)-based applications for cancer imaging and therapy. This review explores the critical role of MC simulations in modeling complex biological interactions, optimizing NP designs, and enhancing the precision of therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Key findings highlight the ability of MC simulations to predict NP bio-distribution, radiation dosimetry, and treatment efficacy, providing a robust framework for addressing the stochastic nature of biological systems. Despite their contributions, MC simulations face challenges such as modeling biological complexity, computational demands, and the scarcity of reliable nanoscale data. However, emerging technologies, including hybrid modeling approaches, high-performance computing, and quantum simulation, are poised to overcome these limitations. Furthermore, novel advancements such as FLASH radiotherapy, multifunctional NPs, and patient-specific data integration are expanding the capabilities and clinical relevance of MC simulations. This topical review underscores the transformative potential of MC simulations in bridging fundamental research and clinical translation. By facilitating personalized nanomedicine and streamlining regulatory and clinical trial processes, MC simulations offer a pathway toward more effective, tailored, and accessible cancer treatments. The continued evolution of simulation techniques, driven by interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation, ensures that MC simulations will remain at the forefront of nanomedicine’s progress.
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spelling doaj-art-a03f7a080872493e814984b30611559f2025-01-24T13:44:12ZengMDPI AGNanomaterials2079-49912025-01-0115211710.3390/nano15020117Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanomedicine: Advancing Cancer Imaging and TherapyJames C. L. Chow0Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1X6, CanadaMonte Carlo (MC) simulations have become important in advancing nanoparticle (NP)-based applications for cancer imaging and therapy. This review explores the critical role of MC simulations in modeling complex biological interactions, optimizing NP designs, and enhancing the precision of therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Key findings highlight the ability of MC simulations to predict NP bio-distribution, radiation dosimetry, and treatment efficacy, providing a robust framework for addressing the stochastic nature of biological systems. Despite their contributions, MC simulations face challenges such as modeling biological complexity, computational demands, and the scarcity of reliable nanoscale data. However, emerging technologies, including hybrid modeling approaches, high-performance computing, and quantum simulation, are poised to overcome these limitations. Furthermore, novel advancements such as FLASH radiotherapy, multifunctional NPs, and patient-specific data integration are expanding the capabilities and clinical relevance of MC simulations. This topical review underscores the transformative potential of MC simulations in bridging fundamental research and clinical translation. By facilitating personalized nanomedicine and streamlining regulatory and clinical trial processes, MC simulations offer a pathway toward more effective, tailored, and accessible cancer treatments. The continued evolution of simulation techniques, driven by interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation, ensures that MC simulations will remain at the forefront of nanomedicine’s progress.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/2/117nanomaterialscancer therapymedical imagingMonte Carlo simulationnanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapydose enhancement
spellingShingle James C. L. Chow
Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanomedicine: Advancing Cancer Imaging and Therapy
Nanomaterials
nanomaterials
cancer therapy
medical imaging
Monte Carlo simulation
nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy
dose enhancement
title Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanomedicine: Advancing Cancer Imaging and Therapy
title_full Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanomedicine: Advancing Cancer Imaging and Therapy
title_fullStr Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanomedicine: Advancing Cancer Imaging and Therapy
title_full_unstemmed Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanomedicine: Advancing Cancer Imaging and Therapy
title_short Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanomedicine: Advancing Cancer Imaging and Therapy
title_sort monte carlo simulations in nanomedicine advancing cancer imaging and therapy
topic nanomaterials
cancer therapy
medical imaging
Monte Carlo simulation
nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy
dose enhancement
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/2/117
work_keys_str_mv AT jamesclchow montecarlosimulationsinnanomedicineadvancingcancerimagingandtherapy