The use of gold nanoparticles to enhance radiotherapy in mice

Phys Med Biol. 2004 Sep 21;49(18):N309-15. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/49/18/n03.

Abstract

Mice bearing subcutaneous EMT-6 mammary carcinomas received a single intravenous injection of 1.9 nm diameter gold particles (up to 2.7 g Au/kg body weight), which elevated concentrations of gold to 7 mg Au/g in tumours. Tumour-to-normal-tissue gold concentration ratios remained approximately 8:1 during several minutes of 250 kVp x-ray therapy. One-year survival was 86% versus 20% with x-rays alone and 0% with gold alone. The increase in tumours safely ablated was dependent on the amount of gold injected. The gold nanoparticles were apparently non-toxic to mice and were largely cleared from the body through the kidneys. This novel use of small gold nanoparticles permitted achievement of the high metal content in tumours necessary for significant high-Z radioenhancement.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gold Colloid / administration & dosage*
  • Gold Colloid / pharmacokinetics*
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / diagnosis
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / metabolism*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / radiotherapy*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Nanotubes
  • Organ Specificity
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Survival Analysis
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Gold Colloid
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents