A Comprehensive Review of Gold Nanoparticles in Clinical Trials: Efficacy, Safety and Future Directions

The rapid advancement of nanoscience in the 21st century has propelled gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to the forefront of nanomedicine research. Despite decades of intensive investigation, the clinical translation of GNPs has been hindered by concerns regarding their long-term toxicity. However, recent studies demonstrate that GNPs exhibit high biocompatibility, and emerging clinical trial data suggest that GNP-based therapies are approaching practical medical application. Interest and activity in this field have surged, and more clinical trial data on GNPs are now available than ever before. This review synthesizes findings from 33 peer-reviewed clinical studies involving 918 patients, covering diverse applications in oncology, cardiology, dermatology, nuclear imaging, oral health, vaccine delivery, and neurology. We provide a comprehensive overview of the current clinical landscape of GNPs, critically evaluating efficacy and safety outcomes, and highlighting key trends and future challenges facing the clinical adoption of GNPs.