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Gadolinium-Doped Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Enhance Radiosensitivity in Melanoma Models Associated with Metabolic
Roxana Cristina Popescu1,2, Cosmin Catalin Mustaciosu2, Adrian-Ionut Nicoara3,4
1Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Gheorghe Polizu Str. 1-7, RO-011061 Bucharest, Romania.
Pharmaceutics
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Gadolinium-doped iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe-Gd NPs) show optimal radiosensitization for melanoma at 25% Gd. This finding highlights the importance of nanoparticle composition and tumor metabolism for effective cancer radiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Radiotherapy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Melanoma is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options.
- Nanoparticle-mediated radiotherapy offers a way to improve treatment efficacy.
- Gadolinium-doped iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe-Gd NPs) were investigated for melanoma radiosensitization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize Fe-Gd NPs with varying Gd content (0-75%).
- To investigate the relationship between Fe-Gd NP composition and radiosensitization in melanoma.
- To evaluate the therapeutic window and systemic safety of Fe-Gd NPs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of Fe-Gd NPs.
- Evaluation of radiosensitization in 2D and 3D melanoma models using viability, mitochondrial function, and clonogenic assays.
- In vivo assessment of systemic tolerance and safety in mice.
Main Results:
- Radiosensitization effect was not directly proportional to Gd content.
- Fe-Gd NPs with 25% Gd demonstrated the most significant radiosensitization in melanoma models.
- Optimal nanoparticle composition and tumor metabolism influenced radiosensitization, with good in vivo safety.
Conclusions:
- The study identified an optimal therapeutic window for Fe-Gd NPs in melanoma treatment.
- Radiosensitization is influenced by nanoparticle composition and tumor metabolic adaptability, not just high Z content.
- Preclinical evaluation using 3D tissue-relevant models is crucial for nanoparticle-mediated radiotherapy development.
