Magnetic nanoparticles: an emerging technology for malignant brain tumor imaging and therapy

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Mamta Wankhede, Emory University; Alexandros Bouras, Emory University; Milota Kaluzova, Emory University; Constantinos G Hadjipanayis
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-03
• Publisher: Expert Reviews (formerly Future Drugs)
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: Rights managed by Taylor & Francis
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1586%2Fecp.12.1
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology
• ISSN: 1751-2433
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 173
• End Page: 186
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was supported in part by grants from the NIH (NS053454 to CG Hadjipanayis), the Georgia Cancer Coalition, Distinguished Cancer Clinicians and Scientists Program (to CG Hadjipanayis), the Robbins Scholar Award (to CG Hadjipanayis) and the Dana Foundation (to CG Hadjipanayis).
• Keywords: MRI; GBM; glioblastoma; thermotherapy; malignant brain tumors; convection-enhanced delivery; EGFR; iron oxide nanoparticles; magnetic nanoparticles
• Research Categories: Biology, Neuroscience; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) represent a promising nanomaterial for the targeted therapy and imaging of malignant brain tumors. Conjugation of peptides or antibodies to the surface of MNPs allows direct targeting of the tumor cell surface and potential disruption of active signaling pathways present in tumor cells. Delivery of nanoparticles to malignant brain tumors represents a formidable challenge due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier and infiltrating cancer cells in the normal brain. Newer strategies permit better delivery of MNPs systemically and by direct convection-enhanced delivery to the brain. Completion of a human clinical trial involving direct injection of MNPs into recurrent malignant brain tumors for thermotherapy has established their feasibility, safety and efficacy in patients. Future translational studies are in progress to understand the promising impact of MNPs in the treatment of malignant brain tumors.