High-Z Nanoparticle Radiosensitization Timing for Tumor Dose
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy for tumors faces challenges in optimizing the concentration and distribution of radiosensitizing nanoparticles within tumors while minimizing their presence in surrounding healthy tissues, with existing nanoparticles having limited persistence and targeting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two injections of high-Z element-containing nanoparticles, with the first injection 2-10 days prior to irradiation and a second injection 1-12 hours prior, using nanoparticles with atomic numbers above 40 and a mean hydrodynamic diameter below 10 nm, specifically designed to enhance radiation therapy by prolonging nanoparticle persistence in tumors and optimizing their distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If nanoparticles are injected immediately before irradiation, then radiation dose deposition is enhanced, but nanoparticle persistence in tumors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by injecting nanoparticles 2-10 days before irradiation instead of immediately before treatment. This advance timing allows nanoparticles to accumulate and persist in tumor tissues, ensuring sufficient concentration is present when radiation is administered. The first injection establishes baseline nanoparticle presence, while a second injection 1-12 hours before irradiation optimizes tumor concentration at the moment of treatment.
2Quantity of substance
If nanoparticle concentration in tumors is increased, then radiosensitizing effect is improved, but presence in healthy tissues increases causing side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing nanoparticle distribution specifically in tumor tissues through controlled injection timing. The 2-10 day pre-injection period allows nanoparticles to selectively accumulate in tumors via enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, achieving high local concentration in the target while maintaining lower concentrations in healthy tissues. This spatial differentiation of nanoparticle concentration maximizes therapeutic effect while minimizing systemic toxicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy by maintaining nanoparticles in tumors for an extended period, improving radiation dose deposition and reducing side effects on healthy tissues, as demonstrated by prolonged MRI signal enhancements and nanoparticle concentration in clinical trials.
Implementation Method 1
Considering that the radiation dose absorbed by any tissues is related to the square of relative atomic number (Z2) of the material
Implementation Method 2
Under exposure to ionizing radiations, heavy-metal based nanoparticles produce photons and Auger electrons that improve the total dose rate deposition into the tumors
Implementation Method 3
induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cause cellular damages on many tumors
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to methods for treating tumors. In particular, the disclosure relates to a method of treating a tumor by ionizing radiations in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising the steps of:(i) injecting a first therapeutically effective amount of high-Z element containing nanoparticles as radiosensitizing agents in said subject in need thereof within a period between 2 and 7 days prior to the first irradiation of the tumor,(ii) injecting a second therapeutically effective amount of the same or different high-Z element containing nanoparticles within a period between 1 hour to 12 hours prior to the first irradiation of the tumor, and,(iii) irradiating the tumor of said subject with a therapeutically efficient dose of radiations;wherein said high-Z element containing nanoparticles are nanoparticles containing an element with an atomic Z number higher than 40 and said nanoparticles have a mean hydrodynamic diameter below 10 nm.