Radioactive gold nanocluster (198-AuNCs) showed inhibitory effects on cancer cells lines

Shijin Xuan1, Aline Oliveira da Silva de Barros2, Rogério Chaffin Nunes3

  • 1Department of Mammary and Thyroid Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, P. R. China.

Insights

Radioactive gold nanoclusters (R-AuNC) effectively kill prostate, breast, and melanoma cancer cells. These nanomedicines show favorable pharmacokinetics and do not interact with efflux transporters, validating their use in cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Nanomedicine
  • Radiochemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
  • Current treatments aim for early diagnosis, precise targeting, and minimized adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To produce, characterize, and evaluate radioactive gold nanoclusters (R-AuNC) for cancer treatment.
  • To assess the *in vitro* efficacy of R-AuNC against prostate, breast, and melanoma cancer cell lines.
  • To investigate the pharmacokinetics and interaction with ABC transporters of R-AuNC.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis and characterization of radioactive gold nanoclusters (198Au25(Capt)18).
  • In vitro evaluation of R-AuNC cytotoxicity against human prostate, breast, and melanoma cancer cell lines.
  • Pharmacokinetic studies and assessment of interaction with Multidrug Resistance-associated Protein 1 (MRP1).

Main Results:

  • R-AuNC (198Au25(Capt)18) demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against all tested cancer cell lines.
  • Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed rapid clearance and a large volume of distribution for R-AuNC.
  • Assays confirmed that R-AuNC are not substrates for the MRP1 efflux transporter, indicating low risk of cellular extrusion.

Conclusions:

  • Radioactive gold nanoclusters (R-AuNC) show promise as a nanomedicine for cancer therapy.
  • The favorable pharmacokinetic profile and lack of efflux transporter interaction support the therapeutic potential of R-AuNC.
  • Gold nanoparticles represent a validated platform for developing novel nanomedicines for cancer treatment.