Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Hyperthermia for Head & Neck Cancer in Mouse Models

Qun Zhao^1,2✉, Luning Wang^1,2, Rui Cheng³, Leidong Mao³, Robert D. Arnold⁴, Elizabeth W. Howerth⁵, Zhuo G. Chen⁷, Simon Platt⁶

1. Bioimaging Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. 30602, USA;
2. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. 30602, USA;
3. Faculty of Engineering, Nano-scale Science and Engineering Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. 30602, USA;
4. Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. 30602, USA;
5. Department of Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. 30602, USA;
6. Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. 30602, USA;
7. Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. 30322, USA

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Citation:
Zhao Q, Wang L, Cheng R, Mao L, Arnold RD, Howerth EW, Chen ZG, Platt S. Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Hyperthermia for Head & Neck Cancer in Mouse Models. Theranostics 2012; 2(1):113-121. doi:10.7150/thno.3854. Available from http://www.thno.org/v02p0113.htm

Abstract

In this study, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle induced hyperthermia is applied for treatment of head and neck cancer using a mouse xenograft model of human head and neck cancer (Tu212 cell line). A hyperthermia system for heating iron oxide nanoparticles was developed by using alternating magnetic fields. Both theoretical simulation and experimental studies were performed to verify the thermotherapy effect. Experimental results showed that the temperature of the tumor center has dramatically elevated from around the room temperature to about 40^oC within the first 5-10 minutes. Pathological studies demonstrate epithelial tumor cell destruction associated with the hyperthermia treatment.

Keywords: hyperthermia, magnetic nanoparticles, head and neck cancer, mouse