Design and Validation of Experimental Setup for Cell Spheroid Radiofrequency-Induced Heating.

While hyperthermia has been shown to induce a variety of cytotoxic and sensitizing effects on cancer tissues, the thermal dose-effect relationship is still not well quantified, and it is still unclear how it can be optimally combined with other treatment modalities. Additionally, it is speculated that different methods of applying hyperthermia, such as water bath heating or electromagnetic energy, may have an effect on the resulting biological mechanisms involved in cell death or in sensitizing tumor cells to other oncological treatments. In order to further quantify and characterize hyperthermia treatments on a cellular level, in vitro experiments shifted towards the use of 3D cell spheroids.

Design and Characterization of an RF Applicator for In Vitro Tests of Electromagnetic Hyperthermia.

The evaluation of the biological effects of therapeutic hyperthermia in oncology and the precise quantification of thermal dose, when heating is coupled with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, are active fields of research. The reliable measurement of hyperthermia effects on cells and tissues requires a strong control of the delivered power and of the induced temperature rise. To this aim, we have developed a radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic applicator operating at 434 MHz, specifically engineered for in vitro tests on 3D cell cultures.

Selenium-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for potential application in bone tumor therapy.

In the present study we have studied the incorporation and release of selenite ions (SeO) in hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for the treatment of bone tumors. Two types of selenium-doped hydroxyapatite (HASe) nanoparticles (NPs) with a nominal Se/(P + Se) molar ratio ranging from 0.01 up to 0.

Targeting of radioactive platinum-bisphosphonate anticancer drugs to bone of high metabolic activity.

Platinum-based chemotherapeutics exhibit excellent antitumor properties. However, these drugs cause severe side effects including toxicity, drug resistance, and lack of tumor selectivity. Tumor-targeted drug delivery has demonstrated great potential to overcome these drawbacks.

Thermoresponsive Brushes Facilitate Effective Reinforcement of Calcium Phosphate Cements.

Calcium phosphate ceramics are frequently applied to stimulate regeneration of bone in view of their excellent biological compatibility with bone tissue. Unfortunately, these bioceramics are also highly brittle. To improve their toughness, fibers can be incorporated as the reinforcing component for the calcium phosphate cements.

Quantitative imaging of platinum-based antitumor complexes in bone tissue samples using LA-ICP-MS.

There is a need for effective medication against bone metastases because todays drugs are not able to penetrate the bone and reach the affected areas. To analyze if current or future platinum-containing drugs are able to achieve this, a quantitative imaging method is urgently needed. In this study, the platinum distribution in thin sections of mice tibia was determined using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in a spatially resolved manner.

Radiolabelled Polymeric Materials for Imaging and Treatment of Cancer: Quo Vadis?

Owing to their tunable blood circulation time and suitable plasma stability, polymer-based nanomaterials hold a great potential for designing and utilising multifunctional nanocarriers for efficient imaging and effective treatment of cancer. When tagged with appropriate radionuclides, they may allow for specific detection (diagnosis) as well as the destruction of tumours (therapy) or even customization of materials, aiming to both diagnosis and therapy (theranostic approach). This review provides an overview of recent developments of radiolabelled polymeric nanomaterials (natural and synthetic polymers) for molecular imaging of cancer, specifically, applying nuclear techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Bisphosphonate-Functionalized Imaging Agents, Anti-Tumor Agents and Nanocarriers for Treatment of Bone Cancer.

Bone metastases result from the invasion of primary tumors to bone. Current treatment modalities include local treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy, while systemic treatments include chemotherapy and (palliative) treatment of skeletal metastases. Nevertheless, once bone metastases have been established they remain incurable leading to morbidity and mortality.