Evaluation of EGFR-targeted radioimmuno-gold-nanoparticles as a theranostic agent in a tumor animal model

Abstract

This study evaluated the tumor targeting and therapeutic efficacy of a novel theranostic agent (131)I-labeled immuno-gold-nanoparticle ((131)I-C225-AuNPs-PEG) for high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressed A549 human lung cancer. Confocal microscopy demonstrated the specific uptake of C225-AuNPs-PEG in A549 cells. (131)I-C225-AuNPs-PEG induced a significant reduction in cell viability, which was not observed when incubated with AuNPs-PEG and C225-AuNPs-PEG. MicroSPECT/CT imaging of tumor-bearing mice after intravenous injection of (123)I-C225-AuNPs-PEG revealed significant radioactivity retention in tumor suggested that (131)I-labeled C225-conjugated radioimmuno-gold-nanoparticles may provide a new approach of targeted imaging and therapy towards high EGFR-expressed cancers.