|
The use of hyperthermia to treat cancer is well studied and has utilized numerous delivery techniques, including
microwaves, radio frequency, focused ultrasound, induction heating, infrared radiation, warmed perfusion liquids
(combined with chemotherapy), and recently, metallic nanoparticles (NP) activated by near infrared radiation (NIR) and
alternating magnetic field (AMF) based platforms. It has been demonstrated by many research groups that ablative
temperatures and cytotoxicity can be produced with locally NP-based hyperthermia. Such ablative NP techniques have
demonstrated the potential for success. Much attention has also been given to the fact that NP may be administered
systemically, resulting in a broader cancer therapy approach, a lower level of tumor NP content and a different type of
NP cancer therapy (most likely in the adjuvant setting). To use NP based hyperthermia successfully as a cancer
treatment, the technique and its goal must be understood and utilized in the appropriate clinical context. The parameters
include, but are not limited to, NP access to the tumor (large vs. small quantity), cancer cell-specific targeting, drug
carrying capacity, potential as an ionizing radiation sensitizer, and the material properties (magnetic characteristics, size
and charge). In addition to their potential for cytotoxicity, the material properties of the NP must also be optimized for
imaging, detection and direction. In this paper we will discuss the differences between, and potential applications for,
ablative and non-ablative magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia.
|
