Fig. 5

The potential risks associated with drug delivery systems (DDSs) in the context of lymph node metastasis imaging. Nanoparticle (NP)-based DDSs are not devoid of safety concerns. For instance, DDSs containing Gd may precipitate gadolinium deposition disease, causing symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. Quantum dot-based DDSs may induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the release of metal ions, such as the Cd ion, resulting in epigenetic modifications. Despite its initial status as an ideal, safe coating to mitigate DDS side effects, polyethylene glycol (PEG) might still instigate hypersensitivity reactions. Created with BioRender.com