Surface functionalisation of C' dot with alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) peptide ligands led to in vivo specific targeting of melanocortin-1-receptor-expressing tumors (B16F10 tumor-bearing mouse) even if the accumulation efficacy at the tumor site was lower compared to integrin-targeting strategy (~5.0% ID/g at 24 h p.i.)29. This evidence concerns the gene POMC and neoplasm.