Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Used for Targeted Drug Delivery in Leukemia Treatment

Purpose: Leukemia remains a critical global health issue, with rising incidence and low survival rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Sub-Saharan Africa faces the greatest burden, where leukemia significantly impacts workforce productivity and economic growth. Unlike high-income countries with better outcomes, such as a 35%–40% survival rate for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults under 60, LMICs experience dire survival rates. For instance, at the Uganda Cancer Institute, fewer than 20% of acute leukemia patients survive beyond one year. This highlights the urgent need for innovative and resource-efficient treatment strategies. Our study addressed this urgent need for innovative treatments by developing a novel technique for targeted drug delivery using iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) combined with an alternating magnetic field. Methods: IONPs were synthesized via green and co-precipitation methods and characterized using XRD, TEM, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) for structure, size, and stability. To improve biocompatibility and enable drug loading, the nanoparticles were coated with silica and attached to doxorubicin (DOX) through electrostatic interactions, forming DOX-silica-coated IONPs. Drug loading efficiency and release were measured using UV-Vis spectroscopy and high-performance TEM. Modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics software simulated interactions between DOX-silica-coated IONPs and HL60 leukemia cells, while P-Spice software designed an Alternating Magnetic Field (AMF) generator for controlled drug release. Results: In vitro experiments demonstrated that DOX-silica coated IONPs induced apoptosis in HL60 leukemia cells more effectively than free DOX. The experimental results, supported by modeling and simulations, confirmed the potential for precise drug targeting and controlled release with reduced side effects, making the platform a promising alternative for cancer treatment. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of DOX-silica coated IONPs combined with an alternating magnetic field as an innovative and effective treatment for leukemia. This approach could address the urgent need for advanced therapeutic options in resource-limited settings, offering a path to improved outcomes in LMICs. Next Steps—Further preclinical studies are required to evaluate the platform’s safety and efficacy in vivo, with the ultimate goal of clinical trials in resource-limited settings. Citation Format: Henry F. Kiwumulo, John Baptist Kirabira, Robert T. Ssekitoleko, Stephen Evans. Application of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Leukaemia Treatment: Proof of Concept [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 32.