The Promise of Nanoparticles-Based Radiotherapy in Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Radiation has been utilized for a long time for the treatment of cancer patients. However, radiotherapy (RT) has many constraints, among which non-selectivity is the primary one. The implementation of nanoparticles (NPs) with RT not only localizes radiation in targeted tissue but also provides significant tumoricidal effect(s) compared to radiation alone. NPs can be functionalized with both biomolecules and therapeutic agents, and their combination significantly reduces the side effects of RT. NP-based RT destroys cancer cells through multiple mechanisms, including ROS generation, which in turn damages DNA and other cellular organelles, inhibiting of the DNA double-strand damage-repair system, obstructing of the cell cycle, regulating of the tumor microenvironment, and killing of cancer stem cells. Furthermore, such combined treatments overcome radioresistance and drug resistance to chemotherapy. Additionally, NP-based RT in combined treatments have shown synergistic therapeutic benefit(s) and enhanced the therapeutic window. Furthermore, a combination of phototherapy, i.e., photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy with NP-based RT, not only reduces phototoxicity but also offers excellent therapeutic benefits. Moreover, using NPs with RT has shown promise in cancer treatment and shown excellent therapeutic outcomes in clinical trials. Therefore, extensive research in this field will pave the way toward improved RT in cancer treatment.

Application of Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment: A Concise Review

“…The first one directly concerns MRI, which is an important imaging technology that provides non-invasive and accurate information about soft tissues, without the need for ionizing radiation or radiotracers. It has been reported that the accuracy of MR signals can be improved by using contrast agents containing several nanoparticles [174], particularly iron oxide nanoparticles, which have shown potential for early diagnosis of swelling and infection [175,176]. In another striking example, Gd-based liposomal MRI contrast agents have been used for targeted image-guided drug delivery.…”

Nanoparticle-Mediated Hyperthermia and Cytotoxicity Mechanisms in Cancer

“…Moreover, HT further sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy, having the advantages of minimal systemic toxicity. Some studies suggest that cancer stem cells are sensitized to radiation therapy by nanoparticle-mediated HT [ 117 ], while there is also evidence that hyperthermia can trigger immune-mediated responses in the cancer microenvironment [ 118 ].…”

Empagliflozin: a potential anticancer drug

“…Nevertheless, radiation alone is less effective due to the hypoxic microenvironment [ 25 ]. Nanoparticles have shown considerable promise in tumor radiation therapy, and their combination has the potential to improve the tumor’s lack of oxygen [ 26 ] and enhance the therapeutic effect. Wang et al developed pH-responsive functionalized nano-andrographic hydrogels coupled with 6-aminonicotinamide to inhibit the pentose phosphate pathway’s metabolism, thereby reducing NADPH production, inhibiting the conversion of oxidized glutathione to reduced glutathione, and enhancing sustained ROS production to increase radiotherapy sensitivity [ 27 ].…”