Evaluation of the theranostic potential of [Cu]CuCl in glioblastoma spheroids.

Background: Glioblastoma is an extremely aggressive malignant tumor with a very poor prognosis. Due to the increased proliferation rate of glioblastoma, there is the development of hypoxic regions, characterized by an increased concentration of copper (Cu). Considering this, Cu has attracted attention as a possible theranostic radionuclide for glioblastoma.

Utility of realistic microscopy-based cell models in simulation studies of nanoparticle-enhanced photon radiotherapy.

To enhance the effect of radiation on the tumor without increasing the dose to the patient, the combination of high-Z nanoparticles with radiotherapy has been proposed. In this work, we investigate the effects of the physical parameters of nanoparticles (NPs) on the Dose Enhancement Factor (DEF), and on the Sensitive Enhancement Ratio (SER) by applying a version of the Linear Quadratic Model. A method for constructing voxelized realistic cell geometries in Monte Carlo simulations from confocal microscopy images was developed and applied to Gliobastoma Multiforme cell lines (U87 and U373).

Cancer 3D Models for Metallodrug Preclinical Testing.

Despite being standard tools in research, the application of cellular and animal models in drug development is hindered by several limitations, such as limited translational significance, animal ethics, and inter-species physiological differences. In this regard, 3D cellular models can be presented as a step forward in biomedical research, allowing for mimicking tissue complexity more accurately than traditional 2D models, while also contributing to reducing the use of animal models. In cancer research, 3D models have the potential to replicate the tumor microenvironment, which is a key modulator of cancer cell behavior and drug response.

Searching for a Paradigm Shift in Auger-Electron Cancer Therapy with Tumor-Specific Radiopeptides Targeting the Mitochondria and/or the Cell Nucleus.

Although Tc is not an ideal Auger electron (AE) emitter for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy (TRT) due to its relatively low Auger electron yield, it can be considered a readily available "model" radionuclide useful to validate the design of new classes of AE-emitting radioconjugates. With this in mind, we performed a detailed study of the radiobiological effects and mechanisms of cell death induced by the dual-targeted radioconjugates and (TPP = triphenylphosphonium; AO = acridine orange; BBN = bombesin derivative) in human prostate cancer PC3 cells. and caused a remarkably high reduction of the survival of PC3 cells when compared with the single-targeted congener , leading to an augmented formation of γH2AX foci and micronuclei.

Cobaltabis(dicarbollide) ([-COSAN]) as Multifunctional Chemotherapeutics: A Prospective Application in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) for Glioblastoma.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to assess if the sodium salt of cobaltabis(dicarbollide) and its di-iodinated derivative (Na[-COSAN] and Na[8,8'-I--COSAN]) could be promising agents for dual anti-cancer treatment (chemotherapy + BNCT) for GBM.

Methods: The biological activities of the small molecules were evaluated in vitro with glioblastoma cells lines U87 and T98G in 2D and 3D cell models and in vivo in the small model animal () at the L4-stage and using the eggs.

Results: Our studies indicated that only spheroids from the U87 cell line have impaired growth after treatment with both compounds, suggesting an increased resistance from T98G spheroids, contrary to what was observed in the monolayer culture, which highlights the need to employ 3D models for future GBM studies.

Copper-64 Chloride Exhibits Therapeutic Potential in Three-Dimensional Cellular Models of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer type in men, and in advanced metastatic stages is considerable incurable. This justifies the need for efficient early diagnostic methods and novel therapies, particularly radiopharmaceuticals with the potential for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy (theranostics). We have previously demonstrated, using monolayer-cultured cells, that copper-64 chloride, a promising theranostic agent for PCa, has the potential to induce significant damage in cancer cells while having minimal side effects in healthy tissues.