Cerium oxide nanoparticles: potential applications for cancer and other diseases

The diverse abilities of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) have encouraged researchers to pursue CONPs as a therapeutic agent to treat a number of diseases, including cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown CONPs to be toxic to cancer cells, inhibit invasion, and sensitize cancer cells to radiation therapy. However, CONPs display minimal toxicity to normal tissues and provide protection from various forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The antioxidant capabilities of CONPs, which enable radiation protection, have also resulted in the exploration of these particles as a potential treatment for other disorders characterized by ROS accumulation, such as diabetes and macular degeneration. While critical information regarding the uptake, retention, and clearance of these particles is incomplete and conflicting reports exist about in vitro toxicity, most research into the various applications of CONPs has yielded promising data. This review highlights the current research into cerium oxide nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.