Cancer Treatment Using Different Shapes of Gold-Based Nanomaterials in Combination with Conventional Physical Techniques

Abstract

The conventional methods of cancer treatment and diagnosis, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and computed tomography, have developed a great deal. However, the effectiveness of such methods is limited to the possible failure or collateral effects on the patients. In recent years, nanoscale materials have been studied in the field of medical physics to develop increasingly efficient methods to treat diseases. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), thanks to their unique physicochemical and optical properties, were introduced to medicine to promote highly effective treatments. Several studies have confirmed the advantages of AuNPs such as their biocompatibility and the possibility to tune their shapes and sizes or modify their surfaces using different chemical compounds. In this review, the main properties of AuNPs are analyzed, with particular focus on star-shaped AuNPs. In addition, the main methods of tumor treatment and diagnosis involving AuNPs are reviewed.

Surface engineered nanohybrids in plasmonic photothermal therapy for cancer: Regulatory and translational challenges

“…Gold-silicon (Au-Si) nanorods exhibit a limited absorption spectrum within the NIR region (700-1100 nm), making finding a wavelength that effectively eliminates cancer cells while safeguarding healthy tissues is challenging. Researchers are exploring strategies to modify the composition and structure of Au-Si nanorods to broaden their absorption spectrum and expand their therapeutic window 48 . In addition to potential toxicity, other concerns are associated with using inorganic nanoparticles (such as Au NPs) in PPTT, including their distribution in the body, long-term effects, and clearance.…”

Nanoparticle-mediated Thermal Cancer Therapies: Strategies to Improve Clinical Translatability

“…It has been shown that the LSPR peak position in AuNRs varies almost linearly with the aspect ratio. Hence, by adjusting the aspect ratio, it is possible to tune the maximum LSPR peak to the near-infrared (NIR) region while ensuring an optimal size for cellular uptake (< 200 nm, Figure 6) 115,116 . This presents a crucial advantage for AuNRs compared to spherical AuNPs, which display an absorption peak in the visible range of the spectrum (400-600 nm), hindering light penetration and clinical use 111,117 .…”

Gold and silver nanoparticles in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diagnostics and treatments

“…In addition to using Au NPs as a therapeutic agent, they can be used as a contrast agent for brain imaging 87 . The high atomic number of Au ( Z = 79) makes AuNPs a better tool as contrast agents in medical imaging compared to iodine or gadolinium, which are characterized by high toxicity and can cause several side effects 88 . A precise detection of Aβ accumulation, which is mandatory for the early diagnosis of AD, must be carried out within the near infrared window while investigating animal models 89 .…”

“… 87 The high atomic number of Au ( Z = 79) makes AuNPs a better tool as contrast agents in medical imaging compared to iodine or gadolinium, which are characterized by high toxicity and can cause several side effects. 88 A precise detection of Aβ accumulation, which is mandatory for the early diagnosis of AD, must be carried out within the near infrared window while investigating animal models. 89 To this respect, the metal‐enhanced fluorescence of colloidal gold, namely the ability of noble nano‐colloids to enhance the emission signal of fluorescent dyes in the proximity of their surface, can overcome the intrinsic physicochemical limitations of standard fluorophores for in vivo applications.…”