Thermosensitive magnetic nanoparticles exposed to alternating magnetic field and heat-mediated chemotherapy for an effective dual therapy in rat glioma model

Abstract

The goal of this study was to develop a new method based on Oncothermia with concomitant use of the temozolomide (TMZ)-loaded magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with folic acid (TMZ/MNPs-FA) and alternative magnetic field (AMF) and evaluate its efficacy in the treatment of C6 glioma in rats. TMZ/MNPs-FA were prepared and evaluated for their size, surface charge, magnetic saturation, hemolysis and in vitro AMF-triggered release. The glioma rat models were treated with free TMZ, MNPs-FA and TMZ/MNPs-FA in the presence or absence of AMF (43 °C). The results confirmed that a combinatorial therapy consisting of AFM hyperthermia and thermosensitive TMZ/MNPs-FA could significantly suppress tumor growth, increase survival rate and promote apoptosis (P < 0.0001). Therefore, this treatment strategy may be a powerful modality for treatment of cancer, as the thermal and mechanical effects of magnetic nanoparticles exposed to AMF can increase the therapeutic efficacy of conventional chemotherapy.

Keywords: Alternative magnetic field; Folic acid; Glioma; Magnetic nanoparticle; Oncothermia; Temozolomide.