Theranostic Gold Nanoparticles: A Novel Approach in Head and Neck Cancer.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have been used in biomedical applications since ancient times. Nevertheless, the rapid development of nanotechnology over the past century has led to the recognition of the great potential of AuNP in a wide range of applications. Physiochemical properties and functionalization of the surface of AuNP allow their application in various roles of imaging, diagnosis, and therapy, making them particularly suitable for head and neck cancer. The small size of gold particles enables them to preferentially accumulate at tumor sites to achieve in vivo targeting after systemic administration and efficient light absorption followed by rapid heat conversion, makes them useful in photothermal therapy. The facile surface chemistry of AuNP eases delivery of imaging contrast agents, ligands, or drugs in vivo. The multifunctional nature of AuNP holds great promise as novel anti-cancer therapeutics. This review summarizes the recent development of AuNP in cancer theranostics (therapy and diagnosis).

Gingival Enlargement: Revisited: A Case Series.

Gingival enlargement can be hereditary or acquired. More than 20 prescription medications are associated with gingival overgrowth. A detailed review on the risk factors and pathogenesis from various peer reviewed journals has been discussed in this article. The aim was to discuss the role of drugs causing gingival enlargement, the hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) and its possible pathogenesis. The following case series highlights four cases of gingival enlargement, one being a case of HGF and the other three being drug-induced gingival enlargement. Variable etiopathogenesis such as age, genetic predisposition, pharmacokinetic variables, tissue homeostasis, inflammation and growth factors have been associated with this disease. Inflammatory changes that occur within the gingival tissues appear to orchestrate the interaction between the “modified fibroblast” and the drug. Alternatively, these drugs influence directly the inflammatory response in the form of enlargement. This information is valuable for the clinician as it will have implication to treat the patient effectively.