Cisplatin-conjugated gold nanoparticles as a theranostic agent for head and neck cancer

Head Neck. 2018 Jan;40(1):70-78. doi: 10.1002/hed.24935. Epub 2017 Nov 11.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to develop a nanoplatform, which simultaneously acts as radiosensitizer, drug carrier, and tumor imaging agent for head and neck cancer.

Methods: We synthesized 20 nm gold nanoparticles, coated with glucose and cisplatin (CG-GNPs). Their penetration into tumor cells and their cellular toxicity were evaluated in vitro. In vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate their impact on tumor growth and their imaging capabilities.

Results: The CG-GNPs showed efficient penetration into tumor cells and similar cellular toxicity as cisplatin alone. Combined with radiation, CG-GNPs led to greater tumor reduction than that of radiation alone and radiation with free cisplatin. The CG-GNPs also demonstrated efficient tumor imaging capabilities.

Conclusion: Our CG-GNPs have a great potential to increase antitumor effect, overcome resistance to chemotherapeutics and radiation, and allow imaging-guided therapy.

Keywords: CT; cancer; cisplatin; gold nanoparticles; radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Cell Survival
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Carriers / radiation effects
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Metal Nanoparticles / administration & dosage*
  • Mice
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / administration & dosage
  • Random Allocation
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine / methods*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
  • Cisplatin