Targeted Magnetic Hyperthermia for Lung Cancer.

摘要

The hypothesis of this research is that inhalable SPIO nanoparticles surface-functionalized with EGFR targeting ligand, when exposed to an appropriate magnetic field, will enable highly efficient and specific tumor cell death by hyperthermia. In the final year (no-cost extension) of this research program, we have demonstrated that aggregation state of iron oxide nanoparticles significantly affects the therapeutic efficacy. Larger, micron-size aggregates induce necrosis while nano-size aggregates induce apoptosis. Further, micron-size aggregates are more effective in inhibiting tumor growth a mouse tumor model. Overall, our studies show that magnetic hyperthermia using SPIO nanoparticles is a promising strategy to treat lung cancer.