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Carbon and phosphorus quantum dots: Advancing radiotherapy through innovative radiosensitization
Abolfazl Bemidinezhad1, Yasaman Abolhassani2, Kimia Feiz3
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Carbon-based and phosphorus-based quantum dots (QDs) show promise in enhancing cancer radiotherapy by improving precision and efficacy. These materials boost radiosensitivity through various mechanisms, offering potential for advanced multimodal cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment but faces limitations in distinguishing cancerous from healthy cells, impacting efficacy and side effects.
- Quantum dots (QDs) are emerging as advanced nanomaterials with unique optical and electronic properties for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of carbon-based QDs (CQDs) and phosphorus-based QDs (BPQDs) as radiosensitizers to improve radiotherapy outcomes.
- To explore the mechanisms by which these non-metallic QDs enhance radiosensitivity.
- To discuss the integration of QDs into multimodal cancer treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CQDs and BPQDs in cancer radiotherapy.
- Analysis of QD-mediated radiosensitization mechanisms, including ROS generation, cellular pathway modulation, and DNA repair interference.
- Examination of hybrid systems combining QDs with other therapeutic agents or nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- CQDs and BPQDs demonstrate significant potential to enhance radiosensitivity in cancer treatment.
- Mechanisms of action include increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and interference with cancer cell DNA repair.
- Hybrid systems incorporating QDs exhibit synergistic effects, improving overall therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Carbon- and phosphorus-based QDs offer a promising approach to overcome the limitations of conventional radiotherapy.
- Further research is needed to address challenges in biosafety, targeting specificity, and regulatory approval for clinical translation.
- QDs are poised for integration into future multimodal cancer treatment strategies.
