Barium tungstate nanoparticles to enhance radiation therapy against cancer

High-Z nanoparticles have emerged as a novel type of radiosensitizers due to their relatively large X-ray cross-section and ability to enhance radical production under irradiation. Recently, CaWO₄ nanoparticles have been prepared and their potential as a radiosensitizer has been demonstrated. Herein, we investigated BaWO₄ nanoparticles as a novel type of alkaline-earth metal tungstate radiosensitizer for radiotherapy (RT). We synthesized BaWO₄ nanoparticles using hydrothermal reaction and coated them with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). We found that BaWO₄ nanoparticles could more efficiently enhance hydroxyl radical production under irradiation than CaWO₄ nanoparticles. When tested in vitro, BaWO₄ nanoparticles showed lower toxicity than CaWO₄ nanoparticles in the absence of irradiation, but induced more significant oxidative stress under irradiation. When tested in vivo, BaWO₄ nanoparticles led to more efficient tumor inhibition without causing systemic toxicity. Overall, our results suggest that BaWO₄ nanoparticles can efficiently enhance RT and hold great potential as a novel type of radiosensitizing agent.