Neutron-irradiated antibody-functionalised carbon nanocapsules for targeted cancer radiotherapy

Abstract

Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment utilising high doses of ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells.Our team has pioneered neutron activation of 152 Sm, filled and sealed into single-walled (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), to create stable and high-dose radioactive carbon nanocapsules for cancer radiotherapy. In this work, MWCNTs filled with enriched 152 SmCl3 (Sm@MWCNTs) were sealed and irradiated, followed by surface functionalisation with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting antibody. Characterisation of functionalised Sm@MWCNTs was carried out using thermogravimetric analysis, gel electrophoresis and transmission electron microscopy. The organ biodistribution of the radioactive functionalised 153 Sm@MWCNTs and therapeutic efficacy were studied in an experimental melanoma lung metastatic tumour model in mice after intravenous injection. Quantitative biodistribution analyses showed high accumulation of 153 Sm@MWCNT-Ab in lung. Significant tumour growth reduction was induced by both treatments of 153 Sm@MWCNTs functionalised with or without the antibody after a single intravenous injection. Although EGFR targeting showed no improvement in therapeutic efficacy, reduced spleen toxicity and normal haematological profiles were obtained for both functionalised derivatives. The current study demonstrated the possibility of performing chemical functionalisation and antibody conjugation on radioactive nanocapsules post-irradiation for the preparation of targeted radiopharmaceuticals.

Recent Advances in Brachytherapy Using Radioactive Nanoparticles: An Alternative to Seed-Based Brachytherapy

“…In one of our recent in silico dosimetry study ( 61 ), we replicated the cell survival curves for three preclinical studies ( 10 , 15 , 100 ), published in literature, on the use of radioactive nanocarriers as nanobrachytherapeutic agents using a mathematical model ( 101 ) and EGSnrc ( 102 ) MC code. The mathematical model used took into account the doubling rate of tumor cells, complete repair of sublethal damage, uptake rate, and washout rate of nanocarriers to and from tumor cell monoexponential function of time.…”

A critical review of bioceramics for magnetic hyperthermia

“…29,30 The physics of resin flow into a mold under pressure is similar to the seepage problem and so similar approaches have been used also to model the flow of resin into a mold containing fiber mats. 23,[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38] The models are used in these cases to determine the resin flow front and mold filling times corresponding to different infiltration conditions.…”

“…fluid hyperthermia (MFH). [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Regarding the magnetic responses of the materials in the presence of an external magnetic field, they can be generally classified into ferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism, antiferromagnetism, paramagnetism, and diamagnetism.…”

Nanomedicines: Nano based Drug Delivery Systems Challenges and Opportunities

“…In biomedical research, agrochemicals, sanitizing materials, cosmetics and water treatment, nanocapsules have Nanomedicines: Nano based Drug Delivery Systems Challenges and Opportunities DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94353 a wide range of biomedical applications. In addition, the effectiveness of such medications has also been studied for cancer treatment [59], radiotherapy [60], self-healing, contagion [78] and for use in food and agriculture. New developed nanocapsules will open new avenues of research and development for the delivery of bioactive compounds to target tissues in the future [57,58].…”