Nanoscale radiotherapy with hafnium oxide nanoparticles

Laurence Maggiorella, Gilles Barouch, Corinne Devaux, Agnès Pottier, Eric Deutsch, Jean Bourhis, Elsa Borghi, Laurent Levy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

290 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim: There is considerable interest in approaches that could improve the therapeutic window of radiotherapy. In this study, hafnium oxide nanoparticles were designed that concentrate in tumor cells to achieve intracellular high-energy dose deposit. Materials & methods: Conventional methods were used, implemented in different ways, to explore interactions of these high-atomic-number nanoparticles and ionizing radiation with biological systems. Results: Using the Monte Carlo simulation, these nanoparticles, when exposed to high-energy photons, were shown to demonstrate an approximately ninefold radiation dose enhancement compared with water. Importantly, the nanoparticles show satisfactory dispersion and persistence within the tumor and they form clusters in the cytoplasm of cancer cells. Marked antitumor activity is demonstrated in human cancer models. Safety is similar in treated and control animals as demonstrated by a broad program of toxicology evaluation. Conclusion: These findings, supported by good tolerance, provide the basis for developing this new type of nanoparticle as a promising anticancer approach in human patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1167-1181
Number of pages15
JournalFuture Oncology
Volume8
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • NBTXR3
  • cancer
  • hafnium oxide
  • nanoparticles
  • nanotechnology
  • radiotherapy
  • therapy

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