Scientists Develop Advanced Imaging Method to Track Cancer Drugs More Accurately
A team of researchers in Japan has developed a pioneering method that enhances the monitoring of cancer drug delivery using gold nanoparticles. By embedding these nanoparticles with radioactive markers, scientists can now track how cancer treatments travel through the body with unprecedented precision. This advancement, published in Applied Physics Express, could significantly improve the safety and effectiveness of cancer therapies.
What Are Gold Nanoparticles and Why Are They Important?
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are tiny particles of gold, ranging in size from 1 to 100 nanometres, that possess unique properties making them highly valuable for medical applications. Unlike bulk gold, which is chemically inert, AuNPs have a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, allowing them to interact effectively with biological molecules. They are also biocompatible, meaning they do not trigger harmful immune responses, making them ideal for use in drug delivery and imaging.
One of the most remarkable features of AuNPs is their optical and radioactive properties, which allow them to be used in imaging techniques. Traditional imaging methods rely on external tracers such as fluorescent dyes, which can detach during circulation, leading to inaccuracies. In contrast, gold nanoparticles can be modified at an atomic level to emit detectable signals, ensuring more accurate and prolonged tracking inside the body.
Addressing the Challenges of Drug Delivery Imaging
One of the major hurdles in cancer treatment is ensuring that drugs reach their intended target—the tumour—while minimising exposure to healthy tissue. Traditional imaging techniques, such as fluorescent dyes and radioisotopes, have limitations. These tracers often detach from nanoparticles during circulation, leading to inaccurate tracking and reduced effectiveness.
To solve this problem, researchers at Waseda University and Osaka University have leveraged neutron activation technology. Their approach involves exposing stable gold nanoparticles (197Au) to neutron radiation, transforming them into a radioactive form (198Au) that emits gamma rays. This allows for external tracking of the nanoparticles in real time without the need for additional tracers, making the imaging process more reliable and long-lasting.
Enhancing Drug Monitoring with Neutron-Activated Gold Nanoparticles
The study explored the potential of neutron-activated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for tracking the distribution of cancer drugs. When injected into tumour-bearing mice, these AuNPs remained detectable over extended periods, enabling scientists to observe drug behaviour more effectively.
A key aspect of this research involved the cancer treatment drug astatine-211 (211At), an alpha-emitting therapeutic agent known for its powerful tumour-killing capabilities. However, 211At has a short half-life of just 7.2 hours, which limits its effectiveness in long-term treatment monitoring. By attaching 211At to neutron-activated gold nanoparticles, forming 211At-labelled (198Au) AuNPs, researchers were able to extend the tracking capability for up to five days—offering critical insights into drug distribution and retention in the body.
How Gold Nanoparticles Are Revolutionising Cancer Treatment
Gold nanoparticles are increasingly recognised for their role in targeted cancer therapy, where they can be engineered to attach specifically to cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy tissues. Their applications in cancer treatment include:
- Efficient Drug Delivery – AuNPs can be designed to bind to specific tumour markers, ensuring that cancer drugs reach the exact site of disease.
- Enhanced Imaging – The interaction of AuNPs with X-rays and gamma rays provides a clearer, real-time view of drug movement in the body.
- Hyperthermia Therapy – AuNPs can absorb light and convert it into heat, which can be used to selectively destroy cancer cells through laser exposure.
- Long-Term Monitoring – The ability to make AuNPs radioactive through neutron activation allows for prolonged tracking of drug effectiveness.
The Future of Cancer Treatment Monitoring
The ability to track drug delivery in real time marks a significant step forward in medical imaging and cancer treatment. This technology has the potential to be applied beyond cancer research, aiding in the study of other nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.
Assistant Professor Yuichiro Kadonaga from Osaka University pointed out the importance of refining imaging resolution and expanding the application of neutron activation imaging across various biomedical fields. The team is now working on improving spatial resolution and optimising detection techniques to enhance clinical usability.
This groundbreaking method provides a more accurate way to monitor therapeutic nanoparticles, paving the way for safer and more effective cancer treatments. As further research and development continue, this innovative approach may soon become a widely adopted tool in oncology and personalised medicine.
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