Multi-modal imaging and cancer therapy using lanthanide oxide nanoparticles: current status and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Biomedical imaging is crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment, with imaging agents enhancing sensitivity and resolution.
• The development of agents serving dual diagnostic and therapeutic roles (theranosis) simplifies treatment and benefits patients.
• Lanthanide oxide nanoparticles present a promising avenue for advanced biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the physical properties, synthesis, and characterization of mixed and unmixed lanthanide oxide nanoparticles.
• To explore the potential of these nanoparticles as multi-modal imaging agents.
• To discuss their application in cancer therapy, particularly gadolinium neutron capture therapy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of mixed (Ln(1x)Ln(2y)O3) and unmixed (Ln2O3) lanthanide oxide nanoparticles.
• Characterization of nanoparticle properties for biomedical applications.
• Evaluation of imaging capabilities (MRI, FI, CT) and therapeutic potential (GdNCT).

Main Results:

• Lanthanide oxide nanoparticles exhibit versatile magnetic and optical properties suitable for multi-modal imaging (MRI-FI, MRI-CT, CT-FI, MRICT-FI).
• Gadolinium-157 offers high thermal neutron capture cross-section for effective Gadolinium Neutron Capture Therapy (GdNCT).
• These nanoparticles are single-phase, solid-state, easily synthesized, compact, and robust.

Conclusions:

• Mixed and unmixed lanthanide oxide nanoparticles are effective agents for multi-modal biomedical imaging.
• They hold significant potential as theranostic agents for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
• Their favorable properties make them highly beneficial for diverse biomedical applications.