Antitumoral Efficacy of AuNRs-Laden ECFCs In Vitro and In Vivo: Decoding the Heat and Rays Combo Treatment in Breast Cancer and Melanoma Cells.

ABSTRACT: Radiotherapy remains a cornerstone in metastatic cancer treatment but is often hindered by tumor hypoxia and radioresistance. Gold nanorods (AuNRs) offer promise in enhancing radiotherapy through hyperthermia, yet their clinical impact is limited by poor tumor targeting. Building on the previous findings demonstrating the tumor-homing ability of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells (ECFCs) loaded with AuNRs, this study advances their use as a biologically targeted delivery system for precise radiotherapy enhancement. Using 3D in vitro tumor models and in vivo studies with nude rats, it is demonstrated that ECFCs actively home to hypoxic tumor regions, overcoming traditional nanoparticle delivery limitations. This targeted approach ensures efficient AuNR accumulation, enhancing photothermal act

SUBMITTER: Anceschi C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12391628 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature