Radioactive gold nanoparticles coated with BSA: A promising approach for prostate cancer treatment.

Background: Nanotechnology has revolutionized medicine, especially in oncological treatments. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stand out as an innovative alternative due to their biocompatibility, potential for surface modification, and effectiveness in radiotherapeutic techniques. Given that prostate cancer ranks as one of the leading malignancies among men, there's a pressing need to investigate new therapeutic approaches. Methods: AuNPs coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were synthesized and their cytotoxicity was assessed against prostate tumor cell lines (LNCaP and PC-3), healthy prostate cells (RWPE-1), and endothelial control cells (HUVEC) using the MTS/PMS assay. For in vivo studies, BALB/C Nude mice were employed to gauge the therapeutic efficacy, biodistribution, and hematological implications post-treatment with BSA-coated AuNPs. Results: The BSA-coated AuNPs exhibited cytotoxic potential against PC-3 and LNCaP lines, while interactions with RWPE-1 and HUVEC remain subjects for further scrutiny. Within animal models, a diverse therapeutic response was observed, with certain instances indicating complete tumor regression. Biodistribution data emphasized the nanoparticles' affinity towards particular organs, and the majority of hematological indicators aligned with normative standards. Conclusions: BSA-coated AuNPs manifest substantial promise as therapeutic tools in treating prostate cancer. The present research not only accentuates the nanoparticles' efficacy but also stresses the imperative of optimization to ascertain both selectivity and safety. Such findings illuminate a promising trajectory for avant-garde therapeutic modalities, holding substantial implications for public health advancements.

Synthesis, In Vitro Testing, and Biodistribution of Surfactant-Free Radioactive Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment.

New forms of cancer treatment, which are effective, have simple manufacturing processes, and easily transportable, are of the utmost necessity. In this work, a methodology for the synthesis of radioactive Gold-198 nanoparticles without the use of surfactants was described. The nuclear activated Gold-198 foils were transformed into H198AuCl4 by dissolution using aqua regia, following a set of steps in a specially designed leak-tight setup. Gold-198 nanoparticles were synthesized using a citrate reduction stabilized with PEG. In addition, TEM results for the non-radioactive product presented an average size of 11.0 nm. The DLS and results for the radioactive 198AuNPs presented an average size of 8.7 nm. Moreover, the DLS results for the PEG-198AuNPs presented a 32.6 nm average size. Cell line tests showed no cytotoxic effect in any period and the concentrations were evaluated. Furthermore, in vivo testing showed a high biological uptake in the tumor and a cancer growth arrest.

New model for an epoxy-based brachytherapy source to be used in spinal cancer treatment.

The present work described the cold fabrication of a P-32 radioactive source to be used in CNS cancer using epoxy resin. The epoxy plaque fabricated with Teflon mold presented better agreement. MCNP simulation evaluated the radiation dose. Special attention was given to factors that can impact dose distribution. Average dose was 16.44 ± 2.89% cGy/s. Differences of less than 0.01 cm in thickness within the plaque lead to differences of up to 12% in the dose rate.

Photobiomodulation therapy combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer-bearing mice.

This work investigated the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) combined with radiotherapy (RT) on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-bearing mice. Female BALB/c mice received 4 T1 cells into a mammary fat pad. Local RT was performed with a total dose of 60 Gy divided into 4 consecutive sessions of 15 Gy. For PBM, a red laser was used in three different protocols: i-) single exposure delivering 150 J.cm-2 (24 h after the last RT session), and ii-) radiant exposure of 150 J.cm-2 or iii-) fractionated radiant exposure of 37.5 J.cm-2 (after each RT session). Tumor volume, complete blood cell count, clinical condition, metastasis, and survival of animals were monitored during 3 weeks post-RT. Our results demonstrated that regardless of the protocol, PBM arrested the tumor growth, improved the clinical condition, and prevented hemolytic anemia. Besides, although PBM groups have exhibited a high neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR), they decreased the number of lung metastases and enhanced mouse survival. Worthy of note, PBM should be used along with the RT sessions in higher radiant exposures, since PBM at 150 J.cm-2 per session significantly extended the survival rate. Together, these data suggest PBM could be a potential ally to RT to fight TNBC.

Monte Carlo simulation to assess free space and end-weld thickness variation effects on dose rate for a new Ir-192 brachytherapy source.

A new Iridium-192 seed for brachytherapy is under development. Specific dose rate contribution by two different factors were evaluated: the effect from movement of the core in the free space within the seed and the effect of the end-weld thickness variation. Both were investigated through use of the Monte Carlo radiation transport code MCNP6 and an in-house routine programmed with MATLAB. Differences greater than 15% compared to results from the nominal seed were found near the source, indicating a significant dose variation.