Advances in framework nucleic acid nanoprobes for tumor imaging

As precisely assembled two-dimensional or three-dimensional nanostructures, framework nucleic acids (FNAs) have driven rapid progress in tumor imaging research due to their editability, modifiability, and excellent biocompatibility. FNAs not only enable precise tumor imaging through structural design and functional modification but also achieve in vivo degradability, thereby mitigating potential safety risks associated with prolonged retention. This review systematically summarizes the fundamental characteristics, biological effects of FNAs, as well as classification of medical imaging technologies and relevant application advances of FNA nanoprobes in tumor imaging. It highlights the construction of FNA-based medical imaging probes and their clinical applications for tumor imaging toward different biomarkers. Finally, challenges and opportunities in the clinical translation of FNA imaging probes are discussed, and their prospects in precision cancer therapy and nanomedicine are explored.