Nanoparticle-mediated X-Ray radiation enhancement for cancer therapy

Abstract

Metallic nanoparticles with a high atomic number release Auger electrons in response to external beam Xray radiation. When these nanoparticles are selectively delivered to tumors, they have the potential to locally enhance the effects of radiation therapy. Optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of these nanoparticles, however, remains a challenging and time-consuming task. Here we describe three different assays that can be used to experimentally quantify and optimize the in vitro therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticlemediated X-ray radiation enhancement. These include an IC50 extended dose response curve, clonogenic cell survival assay, and immunoblotting. Collectively, these assays provide information about whether a given nanoparticle provides radiosensitization, the extent of the radiosensitization, and the potential mechanism of radiosensitization.