Treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma using anti-HER2 immunonanoshells

Reza Fekrazad1, Neda Hakimiha, Enice Farokhi

  • 1Dental Department, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Laser Research Center, Dental Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Insights

Novel photothermal therapy using anti-HER2 nanobodies and gold-silica nanoshells effectively eliminated oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. This targeted approach shows promise as a new treatment for oral cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent oral malignancy, potentially influenced by HER2.
  • Current treatments for OSCC have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of anti-HER2 nanobody-conjugated gold-silica nanoshells as a photothermal treatment for OSCC.
  • To evaluate the potential of this targeted therapy as an alternative to existing OSCC treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Developed anti-HER2 nanobodies conjugated to gold-silica nanoshells.
  • Utilized plasmon resonance electron initiation for targeted photothermal ablation of tumor cells.
  • Exposed OSCC cell cultures (KB) and control cell cultures (HeLaS3) to the immunonanoshells.

Main Results:

  • Significant cell death was observed in KB oral squamous cell carcinoma cultures post-treatment.
  • HeLaS3 control cell cultures showed no evidence of cellular damage or death, indicating treatment specificity.
  • The photothermal treatment demonstrated targeted efficacy against OSCC cells.

Conclusions:

  • Photothermal treatment using anti-HER2 nanobody-conjugated gold-silica nanoshells is a promising therapeutic approach for OSCC.
  • This targeted therapy offers potential advantages over conventional treatments for oral cancer.
  • The study highlights the potential of nanomedicine in developing advanced cancer therapies.

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