**4. Conclusions**

Multifunctional nanomaterials have been widely used as nanoplatforms for multimodal imaging or simultaneous imaging and therapy. As a multifunctional nanoplatform with many biomedical applications, MFMNPs of various formulations have been developed to diagnose and treat diseases for which conventional therapy has shown limited efficacy, such as cancer. The use of MFMNPs as MRI contrast enhancement agents and anticancer drug carriers has drawn enormous attention, and may provide new opportunities for early cancer detection and targeted therapies. This technology not only will minimize the need for invasive procedures, but also will reduce the side effects to healthy tissues, which are primary concerns in conventional cancer therapies.
