Enhancement of radiation cancer therapy by gold nanorods

Although radio-sensitization using gold-nanoparticles is well known, less information is available on gold-nanorods. In this study, combined effects of gold-nanorods and ionizing radiation on apoptosis were investigated. Enhancement of radiation-induced apoptosis in the presence of gold-nanorods was observed under some proper condition. Gold-nanorods reduced intracellular GSH concentration and induced increase in intracellular oxidative stress. DNA damage, Fas expression and ER stress related molecules were enhanced by the combination.

金ナノロッドによる放射線がん治療効果の増強を目的とし、アポトーシスを指標として、その増強効果および分子機序について検討した。本成果はナノ粒子の医学応用を目指す、ナノメディシンの発展に寄与するとともに、放射線がん治療に関する増感剤開発についても有用な情報を提供する。