Magnetic fluid hyperthermia: Focus on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

► Size and surface modified SPIONs enable a safe and reproducible application to the tumor. ► SPIONs can be magnetically targeted and concentrated in the tumor tissue. ► Optimized SPIONs show a heating efficiency sufficient for a hyperthermia tumor therapy. ► Cancer specific binding agents on the SPIONs surface makes this therapy very selective. ► First clinical trials with SPION hyperthermia were carried out and showed promising results.