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Molecular imaging has generated a demand for more sensitive contrast agents for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. We synthesized, by a novel one-step method, Gd(3+) incorporated mesoporous SiO(2) nanoparticles, Gd(2)O(3)@SiO(2), for use as an efficient contrast agent. The prepared nanoparticles were also coated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The size, morphology, composition and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area of the nanoparticles were evaluated. The Gd(2)O(3)@SiO(2) nanoparticles possess intragranular network morphology with a uniform size distribution and an average size of approximately 20-40 nm. The PLGA-coated nanoparticles were spherical or near-spherical in shape with a diameter of approximately 120 nm, a smooth surface, and neither aggregation nor adhesion tendencies. No free Gd ions were detected to dissociate from Gd(2)O(3)@SiO(2) even up to the limit (<0.03 mg/l) of the ICP equipment (IRIS Advantage). Our theoretical computation based on density functional theory (using DMol3, Materials Studio) revealed that the Gd(2)O(3) molecules are fully absorbed on the interface of mesoporous SiO(2) with a stable state of lower energy. Both Gd(2)O(3)@SiO(2) and PLGA-coated Gd(2)O(3)@SiO(2) samples have a larger T(1) relaxivitiy than commercial gadolinium diethylene triaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA). In vitro and in vivo MR images using the Gd(2)O(3)@SiO(2) nanoparticles were observed with a 1.5 T clinical MR scanner and compared with the images using Gd-DTPA. The Gd(2)O(3)@SiO(2) nanoparticles display a better magnetic property than commercial Gd-DTPA. In vivo MR imaging demonstrated that the nanoparticles were mainly distributed in the liver. Strong enhancement was also detected in nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2 xenografted tumors. The Gd(2)O(3)@SiO(2) nanoparticles are not only potential candidates for highly efficient contrast agents for MR imaging, but also might be developed into potent targeted probes for in vivo molecular imaging of cancer.

A minimum axial RLN diameter of 6 mm was a more accurate prognostic predictor in NPC patients with RLN metastases than 5 mm.

Background: This study evaluated the survival outcomes and toxicities of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) based on the RTOG 0225/0615 RT protocols in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from a region of China where this tumor type is endemic.Methods: A total of 455 patients with non-metastatic, histologically-confirmed NPC were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were treated by IMRT using the RTOG 0225/0615 RT protocols; 91.1% (288/316) of patients with stage III-IVb NPC received concurrent chemotherapy +/- induction chemotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy.Results: Estimated four-year overall survival (OS), failure free survival (FFS), local relapse free survival (LRFS), regional relapse free survival (RRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) were 83.8%, 80.5%, 94.3%, 96.7% and 85.8%, respectively. T and N category were significant prognostic factors for OS, FFS, RRFS and DMFS; and T category, for LRFS. In-field failure was the major loco-regional failure pattern. During RT, 206 (45.3%) patients experienced acute grade 3-4 toxicities. The most common acute toxicity was mucositis; 124 (27.2%) patients experienced grade 3-4 mucositis; 46 (10.1%) experienced serious late toxicities. The most common late toxicity was MRI-detected radiation-induced temporal lobe necrosis (6.8%).Conclusions: The RTOG IMRT protocols are feasible for patients with NPC from the endemic regions of China.