ABSTRACT
The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in cancer treatment has drawn considerable attention in different scientific fields. This is due to their altered physical, chemical and biological properties from their macrostructures. This study is directed to investigate the effect of silver ?Ag? nanoparticles and cobalt core ? silver shell ?Co/Ag? nanoparticles on solid tumor ablation in albino mouse model by photothermal therapy.
Intra-tumoral injection of either Ag or Co/Ag NPs was done in 1 mm3 tumor volume of Ehrlich tumor albino mouse model. Both treated and control mice were exposed to light emitting diode 460 nm wavelength and 250 mW power at 24 h post-NPs injection under general anesthesia. Several physical and biochemical parameters, as well as histopathological examinations, were conducted in order to verify the efficacy as well as safety levels of the applied photothermal strategy.
Unlike the tumor control animals, dark control (NPs treated mice without light exposure), and light control (NPs untreated mice with light exposure) groups, results of animals treated with AgNPs or Co/AgNPs mediated photothermal effect showed significant reduction in tumor volume without tumor recurrence for a follow-up period of six months. Co/AgNPs have less dark toxicity, but higher light toxicity than the AgNPs. Accordingly, Co/AgNPs is less toxic to tissue that is not exposed to light. There were no significant effect of AgNPs and Co/AgNPs on the physical and biochemical parameters, as well as histopathological aspects of albino mice.
The significance of tumor ablation, physical and biochemical parameters, as well as histopathological examinations may support the AgNPs and Co/AgNPs as good candidates for non-surgical method of solid tumor ablation.
