Abstract
Aptamers provide several advantages such as efficient and widely applicable selection technology, reproducible chemical synthesis and modification, generally impressive target binding selectivity and affinity, as well as relatively rapid tissue penetration and low immunogenicity, making them as emerging probes that rivals antibodies in biomedical applications. Recent studies showed that the development of aptamer-drug conjugates and aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles (e.g., gold and magnetic nanoparticles) offers new theranostic opportunities for cancer treatment with better efficacy and lower side effects than traditional chemotherapeutic methods. In this chapter, we discuss the current progress in aptamermediated targeted delivery for chemotherapy, phototherapy (e.g., photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy), and combinational therapy. Conjugation strategies operative through a variety of chemical reactions or physical interactions are also highlighted.