Design principles of hybrid nanomaterials for radiotherapy enhanced by photodynamic therapy

0560066 - FZÚ 2023 RIV CH eng J - Journal Article
Secchi, V. - Monguzzi, A. - Villa, Irene
Design principles of hybrid nanomaterials for radiotherapy enhanced by photodynamic therapy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Roč. 23, č. 15 (2022), č. článku 8736. E-ISSN 1422-0067
EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 101003405 - HANSOME
Institutional support: RVO:68378271
Keywords : radiotherapy * photodynamic therapy * nanoscintillators * singlet oxygen * nanoparticles * energy sharing
OECD category: Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.)
Impact factor: 5.6, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access

Radiation (RT) remains the most frequently used treatment against cancer. The main limitation of RT is its lack of specificity for cancer tissues and the limited maximum radiation dose that can be safely delivered without damaging the surrounding healthy tissues. A step forward in the development of better RT is achieved by coupling it with other treatments, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is an anti-cancer therapy that relies on the light activation of non-toxic molecules—called photosensitizers—to generate ROS such as singlet oxygen. By conjugating photosensitizers to dense nanoscintillators in hybrid architectures, the PDT could be activated during RT, leading to cell death through an additional pathway with respect to the one activated by RT alone. Therefore, combining RT and PDT can lead to a synergistic enhancement of the overall efficacy of RT. However, the involvement of hybrids in combination with ionizing radiation is not trivial: the comprehension of the relationship among RT, scintillation emission of the nanoscintillator, and therapeutic effects of the locally excited photosensitizers is desirable to optimize the design of the hybrid nanoparticles for improved effects in radio-oncology. Here, we discuss the working principles of the PDT-activated RT methods, pointing out the guidelines for the development of effective coadjutants to be tested in clinics.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0333142