CPMV loaded with NIR dye (Alexa Fluor 647) and PEG, as well as conjugated with the pan-bombesin analog, [β-Ala11, Phe13, Nle14] bombesin-(7–14) can target the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor that is over-expressed in human prostate cancers. The gene discussed is GRP; the disease is prostate cancer.