Disclosed herein are multifunctional nanoparticle compositions. The compositions can be useful for the treatment of cancer by enhancing the anti-tumor effectiveness of radiation directed to a tissue, cell or a tumor and the methods of use thereof. The multifunctional nanoparticle composition comprises a metal oxide nanoparticle core; a functional coating on the surface of the metal oxide nanoparticle core; and a matrix carrier in which the coated nanoparticle is embedded.