Composite Nanotechnology Carrying Radioactive Gold Inhibits Tumor Growth

This research, conducted by investigators from Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI; Buffalo, NY, USA), was published in the March 2008 issue of the journal Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine and provides first evidence of the therapeutic use of tumor targeted radioactive nanodevices, according to lead authors Lajos P. Balogh, Ph.D., director of nanotechnology research, and Mohamed K. Khan, M.D., Ph.D, associate director of translational research and a physician in the department of radiation medicine at Roswell Park.

Annually, more than half a million cancer-related deaths and approximately 1.3 million new cases are reported in the United States alone. Radiotherapy has been used for nearly all forms of cancer; however, one of the challenges is to deliver a lethal enough dose of radiation to the tumor while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed.

The researchers who created the radioactive gold composite nanodevices (CNDs) used nanobrachytherapy to deliver them directly into prostate tumors in laboratory models. The single injection resulted in a statistically significant 45% reduction in tumor volume, when compared to an untreated group and a group injected with a nanodevice without radioactive gold. No clinical toxicity was observed during the study.

CNDs can be produced in various sizes, carry different electric charges, and hold diverse substances to deliver considerably more radiation than previously possible with antibodies. The application also allows researchers to place imaging and therapy agents inside the CND permitting more functions to be performed within each nanodevice.

"This form of treatment has the potential to offer an effective and well-tolerated alternative therapy for patients with localized prostate cancer in the future,” said Dr. Balogh. "The versatile architecture of the CNDs offers the ability to transport drugs that meet the patient's individual need. Also, the capability of these nanoclusters to absorb light suggests the potential to target and treat tumors during imaging.”


Related Links:
Roswell Park Cancer Institute