AuX2R: A Dual-Functional Gold Nanoparticle Modulating Radiation Response and IL-8 Signalling
Niall Byrne – Senior Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast; Sarah Chambers – Senior Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast; Jie Feng – Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast; Lydia McQuoid – PhD student, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast; Suneil Jain – Clinical Professor, Johnston Cancer Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast
Chair of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience Queen's University Belfast Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Introduction: Hypofractionation regimens have transformed prostate cancer (PCa) radiotherapy (RT). However, 20–30% of patients with high-risk localised PCa experience disease recurrence1. Furthermore, emerging clinical data has reported an elevated risk of genitourinary toxicity, negatively impacting patient quality-of-life2. High-Z nanoparticles, including those comprising gold, can act as effective radiosensitisers3. This study presents a novel, dual-functional gold nanoparticle termed AuX2R, designed to exploit the known physical radioenhancing properties of gold, whilst simultaneously antagonising pro-inflammatory interleukin-8 (IL-8) chemokine signalling.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the design and dual mechanisms of AuX2R, including radiation dose enhancement and IL-8 antagonism.
Explain methods to assess nanoparticle uptake, biodistribution, biocompatibility, and tumour retention.
Evaluate the efficacy of AuX2R coupled with standard radiotherapy and SBRT in small animal models of prostate cancer.
