Development of bimetallic (Zn@Au) nanoparticles as potential PET-imageable radiosensitizers

Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanomedicine: Advancing Cancer Imaging and Therapy

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations have become important in advancing nanoparticle (NP)-based applications for cancer imaging and therapy. This review explores the critical role of MC simulations in modeling complex biological interactions, optimizing NP designs, and enhancing the precision of therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Key findings highlight the ability of MC simulations to predict NP bio-distribution, radiation dosimetry, and treatment efficacy, providing a robust framework for addressing the stochastic nature of biological systems. Despite their contributions, MC simulations face challenges such as modeling biological complexity, computational demands, and the scarcity of reliable nanoscale data. However, emerging technologies, including hybrid modeling approaches, high-performance computing, and quantum simulation, are poised to overcome these limitations. Furthermore, novel advancements such as FLASH radiotherapy, multifunctional NPs, and patient-specific data integration are expanding the capabilities and clinical relevance of MC simulations. This topical review underscores the transformative potential of MC simulations in bridging fundamental research and clinical translation. By facilitating personalized nanomedicine and streamlining regulatory and clinical trial processes, MC simulations offer a pathway toward more effective, tailored, and accessible cancer treatments. The continued evolution of simulation techniques, driven by interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation, ensures that MC simulations will remain at the forefront of nanomedicine's progress.

Improving the Effect of Cancer Cells Irradiation with X-rays and High-Energy Protons Using Bimetallic Palladium-Platinum Nanoparticles with Various Nanostructures

Nano-sized radiosensitizers can be used to increase the effectiveness of radiation-based anticancer therapies. In this study, bimetallic, ~30 nm palladium-platinum nanoparticles (PdPt NPs) with different nanostructures (random nano-alloy NPs and ordered core-shell NPs) were prepared. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), zeta potential measurements, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were used to provide the physicochemical characteristics of PdPt NPs. Then, PdPt NPs were added to the cultures of colon cancer cells and normal colon epithelium cells in individually established non-toxic concentrations and irradiated with the non-harmful dose of X-rays/protons. Cell viability before and after PdPt NPs-(non) assisted X-ray/proton irradiation was evaluated by MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell apoptosis. The results showed that PdPt NPs significantly enhanced the effect of irradiation on cancer cells. It was noticed that nano-alloy PdPt NPs possess better radiosensitizing properties compared to PtPd core-shell NPs, and the combined effect against cancer cells was c.a. 10% stronger for X-ray than for proton irradiation. Thus, the radio-enhancing features of differently structured PdPt NPs indicate their potential application for the improvement of the effectiveness of radiation-based anticancer therapies.

Preclinical Cancer Theranostics—From Nanomaterials to Clinic: The Missing Link

Nanomaterials with cancer‐imaging and therapeutic properties have emerged as the principal focus of nanotheranostics. The past decade has experienced a significant increase in research in the design, formulation, and preclinical and clinical trials of theranostic nanosystems. However, current theranostic nanoformulations have yet to be approved by the FDA for clinical use. Consequently, the present review focuses on the importance of the careful examination of the in vivo preclinical status of specific nanotheranostic materials as a prerequisite for their clinical translation. The scope of coverage is structured according to all of the major organic, inorganic, 2D, and hybrid nanotheranostic materials and their in vivo preclinical status. The therapeutic advantages and limitations of these materials in animal models are considered and the various strategies to enhance the biocompatibility of theranostic nanoparticles are summarized.

A Catalase-Like Metal-Organic Framework Nanohybrid for O2 -Evolving Synergistic Chemoradiotherapy

Tumor hypoxia, the "Achilles' heel" of current cancer therapies, is indispensable to drug resistance and poor therapeutic outcomes especially for radiotherapy. Here we propose an in situ catalytic oxygenation strategy in tumor using porphyrinic metal-organic framework (MOF)-gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) nanohybrid as a therapeutic platform to achieve O2 -evolving chemoradiotherapy. The AuNPs decorated on the surface of MOF effectively stabilize the nanocomposite and serve as radiosensitizers, whereas the MOF scaffold acts as a container to encapsulate chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. In vitro and in vivo studies verify that the catalase-like nanohybrid significantly enhances the radiotherapy effect, alleviating tumor hypoxia and achieving synergistic anticancer efficacy. This hybrid nanomaterial remarkably suppresses the tumor growth with minimized systemic toxicity, opening new horizons for the next generation of theranostic nanomedicines.