Mol Imaging Biol. 2016 Jun;18(3):315-24. doi: 10.1007/s11307-015-0902-0.

Magnetic Targeting and Delivery of Drug-Loaded SWCNTs Theranostic Nanoprobes to Lung Metastasis in Breast Cancer Animal Model: Noninvasive Monitoring Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Al Faraj A¹, Shaik AS², Halwani R², Alfuraih A³.

Author information

1: College of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Radiological Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Imaging Lab, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11433, Saudi Arabia. aalfaraj@ksu.edu.sa.
2: College of Medicine, Prince Naif Health Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia.
3: College of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Radiological Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Imaging Lab, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11433, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

In this study, we aimed to develop novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches by improving the targeting of doxorubicin-loaded single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to metastatic regions, and monitor their preferential homing and enhanced therapeutic effect using noninvasive free-breathing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bioluminescence imaging.

PROCEDURES:

High-energy flexible magnets were specifically positioned over the metastatic tumor sites in the lungs. SWCNTs biodistribution, tumor progression, and subsequent treatment efficiency were assessed following administration of the magnetically attracted doxorubicin-loaded anti-CD105 conjugated nanocarriers.

RESULTS:

The use of high-energy magnets offered improved theranostic effect of doxorubicin-loaded nanocarriers, by magnetically targeting them towards metastatic tumor sites in the lungs. MRI allowed sensitive monitoring of nanocarriers biodistribution in the abdominal organs, their preferential homing towards the metastatic sites, and their enhanced therapeutic effect.

CONCLUSIONS:

Combination of noninvasive MRI to localize sensitively the tumor sites, with specific positioning of magnets that can enhance the magnetic targeting of nanocarriers, allowed increasing the treatment efficiency.

KEYWORDS:

Carbon nanotubes; Diagnostic and therapeutic nanoprobes; Drug delivery systems; Drug targeting; Lung imaging; Magnetic resonance imaging; Metastatic breast cancer