Gold nanoparticles: a promising next-generation tool for breast cancer photothermal therapy

Abstract

AuNPs show suitable mean sizes and maximum absorbance peaks to be used for PTT when locally administered. AuNPs show no toxicity either in breast cancer cell lines or red blood cells. Laser irradiation proved to be safe when applied alone. Combining EGF-conjugated AuNPs with laser irradiation resulted in a reduction of 33% in MCF-7 cells viability. The animal model was successfully developed (all animals developed tumors) and proved to be a specific model for breast cancer, once no other alterations were observed in other organs. In situ administration of EGF-conjugated AuNPs combined with laser irradiation resulted in tumor necrosis with minimal or absent effects over surrounding healthy cells. This system revealed great potential to expand breast cancer treatment options. Nevertheless, further research is required to assess if this strategy can be applied as an adjuvant technique to surgical intervention, improving, at least, esthetic outcomes, or applied alone when other therapies are not viable, safe, or acceptable.