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Preparation and Photoacoustic Analysis of Cellular Vehicles Containing Gold Nanorods
Published on: May 2, 2016
Application of gold nanoparticles for gastrointestinal cancer theranostics: A systematic review
Mohan Singh1, David C C Harris-Birtill1, Sheraz R Markar1
1Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Abstract:
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are readily synthesised structures that absorb light strongly to generate thermal energy which induces photothermal destruction of malignant tissue. This review examines the efficacy, potential challenges and toxicity from in vitro and in vivo applications of GNPs in oesophageal, gastric and colon cancers. A systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases was performed using PRISMA guidelines. Two hundred and eighty-four papers were reviewed with sixteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The application of GNPs in eleven in vivo rodent studies with GI adenocarcinoma demonstrated excellent therapeutic outcomes but poor corroboration in terms of the cancer cells used, photothermal irradiation regimes, fluorophores and types of nanoparticles. There is compelling evidence of the translational potential of GNPs to be complimentary to surgery and feasible in the photothermal therapy of GI cancer but reproducibility and standardisation require development prior to GI cancer clinical trials.
From The Clinical Editor:
Gold nanoparticles are one of the most potentially useful nanoparticles. This is especially true in cancer therapeutics because of their photothermal properties. In this comprehensive article, the authors reviewed the application and efficacy of gold nanoparticles in both the diagnosis and treatment of GI cancers. This review should provide a stimulus for researchers to further develop and translate these nanoparticles into future clinical trials.
Insights
Gold nanoparticles show promise for gastrointestinal cancer treatment via photothermal therapy. Further research is needed to standardize applications before clinical trials can commence.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
Background:
- Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) possess strong light-absorbing properties, enabling thermal energy generation for photothermal destruction of malignant tissues.
- GNPs are increasingly recognized for their potential in cancer therapeutics due to their unique photothermal capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy, challenges, and toxicity of gold nanoparticle applications in esophageal, gastric, and colon cancers.
- To systematically evaluate in vitro and in vivo studies on gold nanoparticles for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases.
- PRISMA guidelines were followed, reviewing 284 papers, with 16 studies meeting the inclusion criteria.
Main Results:
- Eleven in vivo rodent studies on GI adenocarcinoma demonstrated excellent therapeutic outcomes with GNPs.
- Significant variability was noted in study parameters, including cancer cell types, photothermal irradiation, fluorophores, and nanoparticle types, hindering direct comparison.
Conclusions:
- Gold nanoparticles show translational potential as an adjunct to surgery and a feasible option for photothermal therapy in GI cancer.
- Standardization and reproducibility of GNP applications are crucial for advancing to clinical trials in GI cancer.
