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Gerken LRH, Gerdes ME, Pruschy M, Herrmann IK. Prospects of nanoparticle-based radioenhancement for radiotherapy. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:4059-4082. [PMID: 37555747 PMCID: PMC10544071 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00265a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a key pillar of solid cancer treatment. Despite a high level of conformal dose deposition, radiotherapy is limited due to co-irradiation of organs at risk and subsequent normal tissue toxicities. Nanotechnology offers an attractive opportunity for increasing the efficacy and safety of cancer radiotherapy. Leveraging the freedom of design and the growing synthetic capabilities of the nanomaterial-community, a variety of engineered nanomaterials have been designed and investigated as radiosensitizers or radioenhancers. While research so far has been primarily focused on gold nanoparticles and other high atomic number materials to increase the absorption cross section of tumor tissue, recent studies are challenging the traditional concept of high-Z nanoparticle radioenhancers and highlight the importance of catalytic activity. This review provides a concise overview on the knowledge of nanoparticle radioenhancement mechanisms and their quantification. It critically discusses potential radioenhancer candidate materials and general design criteria for different radiation therapy modalities, and concludes with research priorities in order to advance the development of nanomaterials, to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and to increase at the same time the therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas R H Gerken
- Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering (IEPE), Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Department of Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Maren E Gerdes
- Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 1, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Pruschy
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Inge K Herrmann
- Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering (IEPE), Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Department of Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Zwiehoff S, Johny J, Behrends C, Landmann A, Mentzel F, Bäumer C, Kröninger K, Rehbock C, Timmermann B, Barcikowski S. Enhancement of Proton Therapy Efficiency by Noble Metal Nanoparticles Is Driven by the Number and Chemical Activity of Surface Atoms. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106383. [PMID: 34921500 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Proton-based radiotherapy is a modern technique for the treatment of solid tumors with significantly reduced side effects to adjacent tissues. Biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) with high atomic numbers are known to serve as sensitizers and to enhance treatment efficacy, which is commonly believed to be attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, little systematic knowledge is available on how either physical effects due to secondary electron generation or the particle surface chemistry affect ROS production. Thereto, ligand-free colloidal platinum (Pt) and gold (Au) NPs with well-controlled particle size distributions and defined total surface area are proton-irradiated. A fluorescence-based assay is developed to monitor the formation of ROS using terephthalic acid as a cross-effect-free dye. The findings indicate that proton irradiation (PI)-induced ROS formation sensitized by noble metal NPs is driven by the total available particle surface area rather than particle size or mass. Furthermore, a distinctive material effect with Pt being more active than Au is observed which clearly indicates that the chemical reactivity of the NP surface is a main contributor to ROS generation upon PI. These results pave the way towards an in-depth understanding of the NP-induced sensitizing effects upon PI and hence a well-controlled enhanced therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Zwiehoff
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Technical Chemistry I, (CENIDE), (ZMB), 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Jacob Johny
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Technical Chemistry I, (CENIDE), (ZMB), 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Carina Behrends
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Physics, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
- West German Proton Therapy Centre Essen (WPE), West German Cancer Centre (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Alina Landmann
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Physics, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Florian Mentzel
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Physics, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christian Bäumer
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Physics, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
- West German Proton Therapy Centre Essen (WPE), West German Cancer Centre (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kevin Kröninger
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Physics, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christoph Rehbock
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Technical Chemistry I, (CENIDE), (ZMB), 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Beate Timmermann
- West German Proton Therapy Centre Essen (WPE), West German Cancer Centre (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Stephan Barcikowski
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Technical Chemistry I, (CENIDE), (ZMB), 45141, Essen, Germany
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Cunningham C, de Kock M, Engelbrecht M, Miles X, Slabbert J, Vandevoorde C. Radiosensitization Effect of Gold Nanoparticles in Proton Therapy. Front Public Health 2021; 9:699822. [PMID: 34395371 PMCID: PMC8358148 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.699822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of proton therapy facilities and the clinical usage of high energy proton beams for cancer treatment has substantially increased over the last decade. This is mainly due to the superior dose distribution of proton beams resulting in a reduction of side effects and a lower integral dose compared to conventional X-ray radiotherapy. More recently, the usage of metallic nanoparticles as radiosensitizers to enhance radiotherapy is receiving growing attention. While this strategy was originally intended for X-ray radiotherapy, there is currently a small number of experimental studies indicating promising results for proton therapy. However, most of these studies used low proton energies, which are less applicable to clinical practice; and very small gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Therefore, this proof of principle study evaluates the radiosensitization effect of larger AuNPs in combination with a 200 MeV proton beam. CHO-K1 cells were exposed to a concentration of 10 μg/ml of 50 nm AuNPs for 4 hours before irradiation with a clinical proton beam at NRF iThemba LABS. AuNP internalization was confirmed by inductively coupled mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy, showing a random distribution of AuNPs throughout the cytoplasm of the cells and even some close localization to the nuclear membrane. The combined exposure to AuNPs and protons resulted in an increase in cell killing, which was 27.1% at 2 Gy and 43.8% at 6 Gy, compared to proton irradiation alone, illustrating the radiosensitizing potential of AuNPs. Additionally, cells were irradiated at different positions along the proton depth-dose curve to investigate the LET-dependence of AuNP radiosensitization. An increase in cytogenetic damage was observed at all depths for the combined treatment compared to protons alone, but no incremental increase with LET could be determined. In conclusion, this study confirms the potential of 50 nm AuNPs to increase the therapeutic efficacy of proton therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charnay Cunningham
- Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maryna de Kock
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Monique Engelbrecht
- Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Xanthene Miles
- Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacobus Slabbert
- Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charlot Vandevoorde
- Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
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Zhang P, Yu B, Jin X, Zhao T, Ye F, Liu X, Li P, Zheng X, Chen W, Li Q. Therapeutic Efficacy of Carbon Ion Irradiation Enhanced by 11-MUA-Capped Gold Nanoparticles: An in vitro and in vivo Study. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:4661-4674. [PMID: 34262274 PMCID: PMC8275145 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s313678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely studied as radiosensitizers, but their radiosensitization in carbon ion radiotherapy is unsatisfactory. There is a lack of in vivo data on the radiosensitization of AuNPs under carbon ion irradiation. This study focused on the radiosensitization effect of AuNPs in the mouse melanoma cell line B16-F10 in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA)-coated gold (Au) nanoparticles (mAuNPs) formulations were prepared and characterized. To verify the radiosensitization effect of mAuNPs, hydroxyl radicals were generated in aqueous solution, and the detection of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and clone survival were carried out in vitro. The tumor growth rate (TGR) and survival of mice were analyzed to verify the radiosensitization effect of mAuNPs in vivo. The apoptosis of tumor cells was detected, and the expression of key proteins in the apoptosis pathway was verified by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The intracellular ROS level in B16-F10 cells was enhanced by mAuNPs under carbon ion irradiation. The sensitization rate of mAuNPs was 1.22 with a 10% cell survival rate. Compared with irradiation alone, the inhibitory effect of mAuNPs combined with carbon ion irradiation on tumor growth was 1.94-fold higher, the survival time of mice was prolonged by 1.75-fold, and the number of apoptotic cells was increased by 1.43-fold. The ratio of key proteins Bax and Bcl2 in the apoptosis pathway was up-regulated, and the expression of caspase-3, a key executor of the apoptosis pathway, was up-regulated. CONCLUSION In in vivo and in vitro experiments, mAuNPs showed radiosensitivity to carbon ion irradiation. The sensitization effect of mAuNPs on mice tumor may be achieved by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and increasing tumor tissue apoptosis. To our best knowledge, the present study is the first in vivo evidence for radiosensitization of mAuNPs in tumor-bearing mice exposed to carbon ion irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Zhang
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People’s Republic of China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Boyi Yu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Ye
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiongxiong Liu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaogang Zheng
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People’s Republic of China
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Improved photothermal therapy of brain cancer cells and photogeneration of reactive oxygen species by biotin conjugated gold photoactive nanoparticles. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2020; 215:112102. [PMID: 33388605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.112102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report on the design and development of functionalized acrylic polymeric nanoparticles with Spiropyrans (SPs) and imidazole moieties via superficial polymerizations. Then, Au3+ ions were immobilized and reduced on their surface to obtain photoresponsive gold-decorated polymer nanoparticles(Au-NPs). The synthesized Au-NPs were surface adapted with biotin as specific targeting tumor penetration cells and enhance the intercellular uptake through the endocytosis. FT-IR (Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy), UV-Vis (Ultra Violet-Visible Spectrophotometer), EDS (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and HR-TEM (High-resolution transmission electron microscopy) descriptions were engaged to illustrate their spectral analysis and morphological examinations of Bt@Au-NPs. Fluorescence microscopy images of cellular uptake descriptions and ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) investigation established the cell lines labeling ability and enhanced targetting efficacy of biotin-conjugated Au-NPs (Bt@Au-NPs) toward C6 glioma cells (brain cancer cells) with 72.5% cellular uptake relative to 30.2% for non-conjugated lone. These were further established through intracellular ROS examinations and in vitro cytotoxicity investigation on the C6 glioma cell line. The solid surface plasmon absorptions of the Au-NPs and Bt@Au-NPs providing raised photothermal therapy under UV irradiation. The synthesized multifunctional Bt@Au-NPs with an inclusive combination of potential resources presented encouraging nanoprobe with targeting capability, improved photodynamic and photothermal cancer therapy.
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Carbon Ion Radiobiology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103022. [PMID: 33080914 PMCID: PMC7603235 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Radiotherapy with carbon ions has been used for over 20 years in Asia and Europe and is now planned in the USA. The physics advantages of carbon ions compared to X-rays are similar to those of protons, but their radiobiological features are quite distinct and may lead to a breakthrough in the treatment of some cancers characterized by high mortality. Abstract Radiotherapy using accelerated charged particles is rapidly growing worldwide. About 85% of the cancer patients receiving particle therapy are irradiated with protons, which have physical advantages compared to X-rays but a similar biological response. In addition to the ballistic advantages, heavy ions present specific radiobiological features that can make them attractive for treating radioresistant, hypoxic tumors. An ideal heavy ion should have lower toxicity in the entrance channel (normal tissue) and be exquisitely effective in the target region (tumor). Carbon ions have been chosen because they represent the best combination in this direction. Normal tissue toxicities and second cancer risk are similar to those observed in conventional radiotherapy. In the target region, they have increased relative biological effectiveness and a reduced oxygen enhancement ratio compared to X-rays. Some radiobiological properties of densely ionizing carbon ions are so distinct from X-rays and protons that they can be considered as a different “drug” in oncology, and may elicit favorable responses such as an increased immune response and reduced angiogenesis and metastatic potential. The radiobiological properties of carbon ions should guide patient selection and treatment protocols to achieve optimal clinical results.
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Impact of Local High Doses of Radiation by Neutron Activated Mn Dioxide Powder in Rat Lungs: Protracted Pathologic Damage Initiated by Internal Exposure. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8060171. [PMID: 32586004 PMCID: PMC7345208 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8060171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal radiation exposure from neutron-induced radioisotopes environmentally activated following atomic bombing or nuclear accidents should be considered for a complete picture of pathologic effects on survivors. Inhaled hot particles expose neighboring tissues to locally ultra-high doses of β-rays and can cause pathologic damage. 55MnO2 powder was activated by a nuclear reactor to make 56MnO2 which emits β-rays. Internal exposures were compared with external γ-rays. Male Wistar rats were administered activated powder by inhalation. Lung samples were observed by histological staining at six hours, three days, 14 days, two months, six months and eight months after the exposure. Synchrotron radiation—X-ray fluorescence—X-ray absorption near-edge structure (SR–XRF–XANES) was utilized for the chemical analysis of the activated 56Mn embedded in lung tissues. 56Mn beta energy spectrum around the particles was calculated to assess the local dose rate and accumulated dose. Hot particles located in the bronchiole and in damaged alveolar tissue were identified as accumulations of Mn and iron. Histological changes showed evidence of emphysema, hemorrhage and severe inflammation from six hours through eight months. Apoptosis was observed in the bronchiole epithelium. Our study shows early event damage from the locally ultra-high internal dose leads to pathogenesis. The trigger of emphysema and hemorrhage was likely early event damage to blood vessels integral to alveolar walls.
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