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Multifunctional Nanotheranostics for Dual-Modal Imaging-Guided Precision Therapy of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Qianyu Yang1, Yingkun Guo2, Yang Zhou3
1Department of Radiology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan 570311, China.
Abstract:
Currently, the low survival rate and poor prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma are ascribed to the lack of early and accurate diagnosis and resistance to radiotherapy. In parallel, the integration of imaging-guided diagnosis and precise treatment has gained much attention in the field of theranostic nanotechnology. However, constructing dual-modal imaging-guided nanotheranostics with desired imaging performance as well as great biocompatibility remains challenging. Therefore, we developed a simple but multifunctional nanotheranostic GdCPP for the early and accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which combined fluorescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) onto a single nanoplatform for imaging-guided subsequent photodynamic therapy (PDT). GdCPP had an appropriate particle size (81.93 ± 0.69 nm) and was highly stable, resulting in sufficient tumor accumulation, which along with massive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation upon irradiation further significantly killed tumor cells. Moreover, GdCPP owned much stronger r1 relaxivity (9.396 mM-1 s-1) compared to clinically used Gd-DTPA (5.034 mM-1 s-1) and exhibited better T1WI MRI performance. Under dual-modal imaging-guided PDT, GdCPP achieved efficient therapeutic outcomes without causing any noticeable tissue damage. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that GdCPP may be a suitable candidate for dual-modal imaging-guided precision tumor therapy.
Insights
A novel nanotheranostic, GdCPP, offers dual-modal imaging (fluorescence and MRI) for early nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) diagnosis and precise photodynamic therapy (PDT). This theranostic approach improves tumor cell killing and therapeutic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and radioresistance.
- Theranostic nanotechnology offers promise for integrated imaging and treatment.
- Developing dual-modal imaging nanotheranostics with good performance and biocompatibility is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional nanotheranostic, GdCPP, for early diagnosis and treatment of NPC.
- To combine fluorescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for imaging-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of GdCPP nanotheranostic with specific particle size (81.93 ± 0.69 nm).
- Evaluation of GdCPP stability, tumor accumulation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
- Assessment of MRI performance, specifically r1 relaxivity (9.396 mM⁻¹s⁻¹).
- In vitro and in vivo studies of dual-modal imaging-guided PDT efficacy and biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- GdCPP demonstrated high stability and sufficient tumor accumulation.
- Irradiation of GdCPP generated massive ROS, leading to significant tumor cell death.
- GdCPP exhibited superior r1 relaxivity compared to Gd-DTPA, enhancing MRI performance.
- Dual-modal imaging-guided PDT with GdCPP achieved efficient therapeutic outcomes with no noticeable tissue damage.
Conclusions:
- GdCPP is a promising nanoplatform for dual-modal imaging-guided precision therapy in NPC.
- The developed nanotheranostic shows potential for early diagnosis and effective treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
- GdCPP may serve as a suitable candidate for advanced precision tumor therapy.
