Activity and pharmacology of homemade silver nanoparticles in refractory metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer

Abstract

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) show efficacy in cancer cell lines. We present the first in-human outcome of AgNP in a cancer patient. Methods: Homemade AgNP solution is manufactured using online instructions by a 78-year old male. He started consuming AgNP while on hospice after he developed nasal cavity squamous cell cancer metastatic to liver and lung. Results: Electron microscopy of AgNP solution revealed bimodal nanoparticle size distribution: 3 and 12 nm. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed basal silver ion concentrations of 32 ng/g, rising to 46 ng/g 1 hour after ingesting 60 mL of AgNP solution. Urine showed no AgNP. No toxicities were observed and he had complete radiographic resolution of his cancer. He remains without evidence of cancer 18 months later.

Silver nanoparticles selectively treat triple‐negative breast cancer cells without affecting non‐malignant breast epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo

“…There currently are no AgNP formulations approved clinically for intravenous delivery or for cancer therapy, but a recent case report from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center describes a 78‐year old male who consumed AgNPs daily after failing all conventional chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for nasal cavity squamous cell cancer metastatic to liver and lung. Within three months, all previously seen lung, liver, and lymph node metastases were no longer detectable by radiographic imaging, and complete resolution of the cancer has persisted for at least 36 months . No definitive conclusions regarding the clinical efficacy of AgNPs can be drawn from a single patient.…”

“…However, a recent case report describes the complete regression of metastatic head and neck cancer in a patient who ingested AgNPs, in the absence of other anticancer therapy, after failure of platinum-and taxane-based chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical resection. 31 Although these studies support the potential for wider clinical use of AgNPs for cancer therapy, AgNPs are pleotropic stressors, and it is necessary to consider sub-lethal, off-target toxicity which could affect their safety and potential for clinical translation. 32,33 In addition to DNA damage, 11,18 emerging evidence suggests that AgNPs can cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress which initiates the unfolded protein response (UPR).…”

“…Clinical data of AgNP usage in human cancer patients are limited. However, a recent case report describes the complete regression of metastatic head and neck cancer in a patient who ingested AgNPs, in the absence of other anticancer therapy, after failure of platinum‐ and taxane‐based chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical resection …”

“…Within three months, all previously seen lung, liver, and lymph node metastases were no longer detectable by radiographic imaging, and complete resolution of the cancer has persisted for at least 36 months. 31 No definitive conclusions regarding the clinical efficacy of AgNPs can…”

Nanotechnology in Oral Cavity Carcinoma: Recent Trends and Treatment Opportunities

“…However, despite there is a lack of ongoing and completed clinical trials in neoplastic patients, silver-based nanoparticles seem to be an effective treatment. Firstly, tested in a patient with highly refractory metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, silver nanoparticles showed high efficacy leading to complete resolution of primary lesion and metastasis to the liver and lung, persisting for 18 months [37]. Actually, this was not a scientific report.…”