With parallel breakthroughs occurring in molecular biology and nanoscience/technology, the newly recognized research thrust on “nanomedicine” is expected to have a revolutionary impact on the future of healthcare. To advance nanotechnology research for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the United States National Cancer Institute (NCI) established the Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer in September 2004 and has pledged $ million in the next five years (for details, visit ). Among the approaches for exploiting developments in nanotechnology for cancer molecular medicine, nanoparticles offer some unique advantages as sensing, delivery, and image enhancement agents. Several varieties of nanoparticles are available, including polymeric conjugates and nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers, liposomes, and nanoassemblies
