Fe/⁵⁷Fe-Metallacarboranes with Radiosensitizing Potential in Breast Cancer Cell Models: Comparative Study Between...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Radiotherapy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Radiosensitizers improve radiation therapy efficacy and reduce side effects.
• This study examines the radiosensitizing properties of Fe/⁵⁷Fe-ferrabisdicarbollide in breast cancer cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the radiosensitizing potential of Fe/⁵⁷Fe-ferrabisdicarbollide in SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
• To compare the effects of high-dose ⁶⁰Co and low-dose ⁵⁷Co gamma-photon sources.

Main Methods:

• Cell viability and survival assessed in 2D and 3D cultures.
• Mechanisms of cell death (ROS, apoptosis, necrosis) analyzed.
• Computational dosimetry for absorbed dose calculation.

Main Results:

• Both radiation sources reduced viability and increased ROS in 2D models.
• MDA-MB-231 spheroids showed significantly impaired survival compared to 2D.
• Low-dose ⁵⁷Co with the Mössbauer effect induced potent radiosensitization in spheroids via localized dose enhancement.

Conclusions:

• Fe/⁵⁷Fe-ferrabisdicarbollide exhibits potent radiosensitization, dependent on cell model and radiation source.
• The ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer effect enables significant radiosensitization at low doses.
• This research supports a novel, more efficient radiotherapy approach with reduced patient radiation exposure for safer cancer treatment.