Plasmonic nanophotothermal therapy for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma with gold nanoparticles

Abstract

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, typically developing in sun-exposed areas such as the face. Surgery is the treatment of choice, with a overall good prognosis. However, some scars can be unsightly or bothersome, and some tumours are too large or badly located to be eligible for surgery. Plasmonic photothermal therapy is presented here as an alternative treatment. Our team has developed green gold nanoparticles that have demonstrated their efficacy in inducing hyperthermia in the tumour-microenvironment when combined with near-infrared laser (NIR laser). Objectives: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of gold nanoparticles combined with laser treatment against BCC. Methods: In vitro, BCC cells were exposed to gold nanoparticles, both with and without laser treatment, to study the effects of this therapy on skin cells. Subsequently, mice bearing BCC were treated with photothermal therapy to assess tumour growth. Results: Gold nanoparticles were found to be nontoxic to the cell line, and photothermal therapy induced apoptosis. In vivo studies showed complete regression of tumours without unsightly scarring and no recurrence after 40 days. Conclusions: Plasmonic photothermal therapy using gold nanoparticles proved its efficacy in the destruction of BCC.