Adrenocortical Cancer Cell uptake of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer with poor prognosis, treated primarily through surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments like radiation or thermal ablation for metastases have limited success, and recurrence is common. More effective management options are needed. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) show promise in cancer treatment due to their ability to be modified for selective uptake by cancer cells. This study investigated IONP uptake in ACC cell lines (H295R, HAC-15, MUC-1) using a multicellular model with endothelial cells (HUVEC) and monocytes. IONP uptake was concentration- and time-dependent, with optimal uptake at 10 μg/mL. IONP were found in the cytoplasm and intracellular vesicles of ACC cells. However, endothelial cells and monocytes also absorbed IONP, reducing uptake by ACC cells. These findings suggest ACC cells actively take up IONP, but better targeting is needed to enhance uptake specificity and efficiency.