A review of bismuth-based nanoparticles and their applications in radiosensitising and dose enhancement for cancer radiation therapy.

About 50% of cancer patients receive radiation therapy. Despite the therapeutic benefits of this method, the toxicity of radiation in the normal tissues is unavoidable To improve the quality of radiation therapy, in addition to other methods such as IMRT, IGRT, and high radiation dose, nanoparticles have shown excellent potential when ionising radiation is applied to the target volume. Recently, bismuth-based nanoparticles (BiNPs) have become particularly popular in radiation therapy due to their high atomic numbers (Z), high X-ray attenuation coefficient, low toxicity, and low cost. Moreover, it is easy to synthesise in a variety of sizes and shapes. This study aimed to review the effects of the bismuth-based NP and its combination with other compounds, and their potential synergies in radiotherapy, discussed based on their physical, chemical, and biological interactions. Targeted and non-targeted bismuth-based NPs used in radiotherapy as radiosensitizers and dose enhancement effects are described. The results reported in the literature were categorised into various groups. Also, this review has highlighted the importance of bismuth-based NPs in different forms of cancer treatment to find the highest efficiency for applying them as a suitable candidate for various cancer therapy and future clinical applications.

Determining the optimum tumor control probability model in radiotherapy of glioblastoma multiforme using magnetic resonance imaging data pre- and post- radiation therapy.

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant brain tumor. The current standard of care is surgery followed by radiation therapy (RT). Radiotherapy treatment plan evaluation relies on radiobiological models for accurate estimation of tumor control probability (TCP). This study aimed to assess the impact of obtained magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data before and 12 weeks after RT to achieve the optimum TCP model to improve dose prescriptions in radiation therapy of GBM. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, MR images and its relevant data from 30 patients consisting of 9 females and 21 males (mean age of 46.3 ± 15.8 years) diagnosed with GBM, whose referred for radiotherapy were selected. The data of age, gender, tumor size, volume, and signal intensity using analysis of MRI data pre- and postradiotherapy were used for calculating TCP. TCP was calculated from three common radiobiological models including Poisson, linear quadratic, and equivalent uniform dose. The impact of some radiobiological parameters on final TCP in all patients planned with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy was obtained. Results: A statistically significant difference was found among TCP in Poisson model compared to the other two models (P < 0.001). Changes in tumor volume and size after treatment were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Different combinations of radiobiological parameters (α/ß and SF2 in all models) observed were meaningful (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that among TCP radiobiological models, the optimum is the Poisson. The results also identified the importance of TCP radiobiological models in order to improve radiotherapy dose prescriptions.

Recent nanotheranostics applications for cancer therapy and diagnosis: A review.

Nanotheranostics has attracted much attention due to its widespread application in molecular imaging and cancer therapy. Molecular imaging using nanoparticles has attracted special attention in the diagnosis of cancer at early stages. With the progress made in nanotheranostics, studying drug release, accumulation in the target tissue, biodistribution, and treatment effectiveness are other important factors. However, according to the studies conducted in this regard, each nanoparticle has some advantages and limitations that should be examined and then used in clinical applications. The main goal of this review is to explore the recent advancements in nanotheranostics for cancer therapy and diagnosis. Then, it is attempted to present recent studies on nanotheranostics used as a contrast agent in various imaging modalities and a platform for cancer therapy.

In vivo study of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody-based iron oxide nanoparticles (anti-EGFR-SPIONs) as a novel MR imaging contrast agent for lung cancer (LLC1) cells detection.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) conjugated with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody (anti-EGFR-SPIONs) were characterised, and its cytotoxicity effects, ex vivo and in vivo studies on Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells in C57BL/6 mice were investigated. The broadband at 679.96 cm-1 relates to Fe-O, which verified the formation of the anti-EGFR-Mab with SPIONs was obtained by the FTIR. The TEM images showed spherical shape 20 and 80 nm-sized for nanoparticles and the anti-EGFR-SPIONs, respectively. Results of cell viability at 24 h after incubation with different concentrations of nanoprobe showed it has only a 20% reduction in cell viabilities. The synthesised nanoprobe administered by systemic injection into C57BL/6 mice showed good Fe tumour uptake and satisfied image signal intensity under ex vivo and in vivo conditions. A higher concentration of nanoprobe was achieved compared to non-specific and control, indicating selective delivery of nanoprobe to the tumour. It is concluded that the anti-EGFR-SPIONs was found to be as an MR imaging contrast nanoagent for lung cancer (LLC1) cells detection.

Medical imaging modalities using nanoprobes for cancer diagnosis: A literature review on recent findings.

Medical imaging modalities are used for different types of cancer detection and diagnosis. Recently, there have been a lot of studies on developing novel nanoparticles as new medical imaging contrast agents for the early detection of cancer. The aim of this review article is to categorize the medical imaging modalities accompanying with using nanoparticles to improve potential imaging for cancer detection and hence valuable therapy in the future. Nowadays, nanoparticles are becoming potentially transformative tools for cancer detection for a wide range of imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, single photon emission CT, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, and optical imaging. The study results seen in the recent literature provided and discussed the diagnostic performance of imaging modalities for cancer detections and their future directions. With knowledge of the correlation between the application of nanoparticles and medical imaging modalities and with the development of targeted contrast agents or nanoprobes, they may provide better cancer diagnosis in the future.

Exposure to Global System for Mobile Communication 900 MHz Cellular Phone Radiofrequency Alters Growth, Proliferation and Morphology of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: Today, using cellular phone and its harmful effects in human life is growing. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the global system for mobile communication (GSM) 900 MHz cellular phone radiofrequency waves on growth, morphology, and proliferation rate of mesenchymal stem cells and Michigan Cancer Foundation (MCF-7) cells within the specific distance and intensity. METHODS: MCF-7 and human adipose-derived stem cells (HADSCs) were exposed to GSM cellular phones 900 MHz frequency with intensity of 354.6 µW/cm2 during different exposure times 6, 21, 51, and 101 min/day with an interval of 10 min for each subsequent radiation exposure for 3 and 5 days at 10 and 20 cm distances from antenna. 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and trypan blue test were used to determine the growth of cells and cell viability, respectively. Statistical analyses were carried out using three-way ANOVA. Differences were significant when P < 0.05. RESULTS: The proliferation rates of both MCF-7 and HADSCs cells in all exposure groups were significantly lower than controls (P < 0.05). There was a significant effect on the percentage of cell survival with increase the period of time from 3 to 5 days for MCF-7 (P < 0.01) and HADSCs (P = 0.02), respectively. Variations in distance had no significant effect on the percentage of cell survival (P = 0.35) on MCF-7 (P = 0.02) and HADSCs (P = 0.09) cells, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that radiation of GSM 900 MHz cellular phone may be reduced cell viability and proliferation rates of both cells. It is recommended to reduce exposure time, increase distance from antenna, and reserve the use of cell phones for shorter conversations to prevent its biological and harmful effects. Further studies with other intensities and frequencies on different cells are recommended.

Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as T2 MR Imaging Contrast Agent for Detection of Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cell.

BACKGROUND: Advances of nanotechnology have led to the development of nano-materials with both potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Among them, Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) have received particular attention. Modified EDC coupling fraction was used to fabricate the SPION-C595 as an MR imaging contrast agent for breast cancer detection in early stages. METHODS: Nanoprobe characterization was confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX), and Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS). Protein and iron concentration of nanoprobe was examined by standard method. MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the nanoprobe in breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). T2-weighted MR imaging was performed to evaluate the signal enhancement on T2 relaxation time of nanoprobe using spin-echo pulse sequence. RESULTS: As results showed, SPIONs-C595 provided active targeting of breast cancer cell (MCF-7) at a final concentration of 600 µgFe/ml. The final concentration of protein was calculated to be at 0.78 µgprotein/ml. The hydrodynamic size of the nanoprobe was 87.4±0.7 nm. The MR imaging results showed a good reduction of T2 relaxation rates for the highest dose of SPIONs-C595. DISCUSSION: Based on the results, SPIONs-C595 nanoprobe has a potential in T2-weighted MR imaging contrast agent for breast cancer cell (MCF-7) detection.

In vitro Study of SPIONs-C595 as Molecular Imaging Probe for Specific Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells Detection

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an essential role in molecular imaging by delivering the contrast agent into targeted cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the C595 monoclonal antibody-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs-C595) for the detection of breast cancer cell (MCF-7). Methods: The conjugation of monoclonal antibody and nanoparticles was confirmed using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and photon correlation spectroscopy. The selectivity of the nanoprobe for breast cancer cells (MCF-7) was obtained by Prussian blue, atomic emission spectroscopy, and MRI relaxometry. Results: The in vitro MRI showed that T2 relaxation time will be reduced 76% when using T2-weighed magnetic resonance images compared to the control group (untreated cells) at the dose of 200 µg Fe/ml, as the optimum dose. In addition, the results showed the high uptake of nanoprobe into MCF-7 cancer cells. Conclusion: The SPIONs-C595 nanoprobe has potential for the detection of specific breast cancer.