Nanoparticle-Based Radiosensitization

摘要

Radiotherapy is a highly multidisciplinary field with respect to its foundations of research and development, and in its clinical utility. This is further evident in the field of nanoparticle radiosensitization, which introduces disciplines such as pharmaceutical sciences, colloid and surface sciences, nanomedicine and materials, the breadth of which epitomizes multidisciplinary research and has resounded in recent successes in the translational pathway of nanoparticles in this context [ , , ]. These highly commendable successes stand as testaments to what basic sciences achieve when brought together with an applied focus in mind. Richness in the scientific diversity of this field is likewise represented by the topics covered in this Special Issue, spanning nanoparticle synthesis to delivery and underpinned by continued efforts for a greater mechanistic understanding of their function. With successful delivery of nanoparticle radiosensitizers, there is translatable scope for improving the therapeutic outcomes in treating cancer, especially where radiotherapy is limited by sparing healthy tissues in radioresistant cancers. This is exemplified, for example, in the work of Dr (MD) Kazmi et al. [ ], who report on the sensitization effects of gold nanoparticles in the problematic indication of glioblastoma.