Enhanced In Vivo Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer Using Gadolinium Oxide and Gold Hybrid Nanoparticles

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Radiation therapy has demonstrated promising effectiveness against several types of cancers. X-ray radiation therapy can be made further effective by utilizing nanoparticles of high-atomic-number (high-Z) materials that act as radiosensitizers. Here, in purpose of maximizing the radiation therapy within tumors, bovine serum albumin capped gadolinium oxide and gold nanoparticles (Gd 2 O 3 @BSA-Au NPs) are developed as a bimetallic radiosensitizer. In this study, we incorporate two high-Z-based nanoparticles, Au and Gd, in a single nanoplatform. The radiosensitizing ability of the nanoparticles was assessed with a series of in vitro tests, following evaluation in vivo in a breast cancer murine model. Enhanced tumor suppression is observed in the group that received radiation after administration of Gd 2 O 3 @BSA-Au NPs. As a result, cancer therapy efficacy is significantly improved by applying Gd 2 O 3 @BSA-Au NPs under X-ray irradiation, as evidenced by studies evaluating cell viability, proliferation, reactive oxygen species production, and in vivo anti-tumor effect.