Nanotechnology-Enhanced Chemoradiotherapy Using Copper and Gold Nanoparticles for Esophageal Cancer

Background : Esophageal cancer is a severe malignancy originating from the cells of the esophagus, a long, hollow tube connecting the throat to the stomach. Current therapeutic and diagnostic approaches for esophageal cancer are insufficient, necessitating improved methods. Nanotechnology-enhanced chemoradiotherapy presents a promising avenue, with nanoparticle (NP) based delivery methods showing effectiveness in radiation, chemotherapy, and imaging. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of copper (Cu) and gold (Au) nanoparticles in enhancing patient outcomes, diagnostic accuracy, and therapeutic efficacy for esophageal cancer. The nanoparticles were prepared and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Their anti-esophageal cancer properties and in vitro cytotoxic effects were tested against three cancer cell lines: human Caucasian esophageal carcinoma (OE33), squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (KYSE-270), and esophageal junction adenocarcinoma (ESO26). The MTT assay was employed to assess cell viability, focusing on duration and concentration effects, while IC50 values were used to determine antioxidant activity. Results: Both Cu and Au nanoparticles demonstrated significant anti-esophageal cancer capabilities, reducing the viability of OE33, KYSE-270, and ESO26 cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Notably, Cu NPs exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to Au NPs, as indicated by their IC50 values. This superior antioxidant activity is likely responsible for the enhanced efficacy of Cu NPs in preventing human esophageal cancer cell proliferation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Cu and Au nanoparticles possess substantial anti-esophageal cancer properties, with Cu NPs showing higher antioxidant activity and greater potential in inhibiting cancer cell growth. The antioxidant qualities of these nanoparticles are crucial in their ability to prevent esophageal cancer, highlighting their promise as effective agents in nanotechnology-enhanced chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer treatment. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore their full therapeutic potential and application in clinical settings.