An overview of current practice in external beam radiation oncology with consideration to potential benefits and challenges for nanotechnology

Abstract

Over the past two decades, there has been a significant evolution in the technologies and techniques employed within the radiation oncology environment. Over the same period, extensive research into the use of nanotechnology in medicine has highlighted a range of potential benefits to its incorporation into clinical radiation oncology. This short communication describes key tools and techniques that have recently been introduced into specific stages of a patient’s radiotherapy pathway, including diagnosis, external beam treatment and subsequent follow-up. At each pathway stage, consideration is given towards how nanotechnology may be combined with clinical developments to further enhance their benefit, with some potential opportunities for future research also highlighted. Prospective challenges that may influence the introduction of nanotechnology into clinical radiotherapy are also discussed, indicating the need for close collaboration between academic and clinical staff to realise the full clinical benefit of this exciting technology.

Radiotherapy and immune response: the systemic effects of a local treatment

“…The nanomaterials present wide potential for medical use, including tissue engineering protein detection and drug and/or gene delivery. The inclusion of nanoparticles (NPs) into both diagnostic and radiation therapy settings, emphasizing their use as potential agents in the combination of diagnosis and therapeutics, may be promising 81 , 82 .…”

Seeing Better and Going Deeper in Cancer Nanotheranostics

“…Iodine-based contrast agents have been widely applied in clinical diagnosis, including extracellular fluid, vascular space, hepatocellular, and tissue-specific imaging [150,151]. Moreover, a number of research groups have recently reported the use of high atomic number NPs, such as Au [152,153], Gd [154,155], Hf [156], and Bi [157,158] in oncology to assess and track changes in tumor neo-vasculature and has enabled clinicians to evaluate tumor response to therapeutic agents [159,160]. Amongst the emerging NP-based contrast agents, AuNP, which exhibits high x-ray attenuation, biocompatibility, facile synthesis, and surface functionalization, has been introduced into commercial products, e.g., Aurimmune and Auroshell [161].…”

Nanotechnology Combating Fight against Cancer

“…Radioisotope imaging is an emerging technology over CT and MRI provide better diagnosis value in oncology eg: fluorodeoxyglucose is radioactive using in research. Radio-sensitizing NPs have effective tumor control in oncology therapy combines X-ray with a high atomic number shows strong photoelectric absorption of x-ray which increases distribution of malignant cell [19]. Radiosensitive nano-particles extensively used in cancer research.…”

“…Radiosensitive nano-particles extensively used in cancer research. Modulated Radiation Therapy and volumetric modulated ARC Therapy, IGRI radiotherapy with a combined effect of NPs are in development adopting new avenues of research [19]. Versatility of nano-particles provide potential to probe critical cancer targets and identify imaging biomarkers in clinical trials, eg: targeted particle radiotherapies and use of radio-sensitizing nano-material with high atomic number Z enhance the efficiency of radiation to tumor [13].…”

“…Modulated Radiation Therapy, VolumatricModualted Arc Theprayand IGRT radiotherapy with the combined effect of NPs is in development, opening new avenues for research. Approximately 70 radiotherapy centers have been developed [19]. Several types of nanoparticles has been used in medical sciences for magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) that include iron oxide-based nanoparticles multiple mode imaging contrast newsagents that combine magnetic resonances with biological targeting and optical detection.…”