ABSTRACT
In magnetic drug targeting a chemotherapeutic agent is bound to coated magnetic nanoparticles, which are administered to the blood vessel system and subsequently focused by an external applied magnetic field. The optimization of intra-arterial magnetic drug targeting (MDT) requires detailed knowledge about the biodistribution of particles in the artery and the respective surrounding after the application. Here, we demonstrate the potential of magnetorelaxometry for quantifying the distribution of magnetic nanoparticles in the artery. To this end, we present a magnetorelaxometry investigation of a MDT study in an artery model. In particular, the absolute magnetic nanoparticle accumulation along the artery as well as the uptake profile along the region around the MDT-magnet position was quantified.
Subject(s)
Arteries/chemistry , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Magnetics/methods , Metal Nanoparticles/analysis , In Vitro Techniques , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
In order to reduce the side effects generated by the most common cancer treatment therapies, chemo- and radiotherapy, two new approaches are being investigated. These new approaches are magnetic drug targeting (MDT) and magnetic hyperthermia, and are based on the use of magnetic nanoparticles. In the first one, these magnetic nanoparticles are used as drug carriers and the success of the treatment depends on the correct distribution of the drug within the tumour tissue. Computed tomography analysis has been performed on tumour tissue after MDT in order to find out the distribution of the nanoparticles. The measurements have been carried out in two different laboratories, one based on a synchrotron beamline and another one with a cone x-ray source. First results show that the drug carriers form clusters within the tumour tissue.
