Malignant tumors are highly heterogeneous in terms of molecular phenotypes such that personalized therapy will be-come the standard for tumor therapy. Molecular classifications of cancer based on differences in biological behavior are important for selecting treatment strategies and prognostication. The unique optical and chemical properties of quantum dots have been widely used in biomedical applications such as tumor diagnosis, monitoring, pathogenesis, treatment, molecular pathology, and heterogeneity based on biological markers. In this study, we discuss the application of quantum dot-based nanotechnology and the molecular classification of cancer in personalized oncology.

Two kinds of different functional groups modified RuBpy-doped silica fluorescent nanoprobes Probe A and B that conjugated with avidin were prepared for the recognition of liver cancer cells. Firstly RuBpy-doped silica nanoparticles were synthesized by reverse microemulsion and modified with different functional groups, then Probe A was prepared by the conjugation of avidin with carboxyl modified nanoparticles through covalent binding using 1-ethyl-3-( 3-dimethylamino propyl ) carbodiimide hydrochloride ( EDC )/sulfo-NHS, whereas Probe B was prepared by the conjugation of avidin with the polyethylene glycol ( PEG) linkers on the surface nanoparticles using cyanogen bromide method. Therefore, compared with Probe A, Probe B was obtained by coupling avidin to the nanoparticles through long-chain PEG molecules. The two probes were incubated with liver cancer cells respectively, and microscopic fluorescence imaging shows that Probe B which contained PEG molecules could be more effectively applied for the recognition of tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen ( CEA) in liver cancer cells.