title: Gold nanoparticles in radiation research: potential applications for imaging and radiosensitization.
abstract: The potential of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in therapeutic and diagnostic cancer applications is becoming increasingly recognized. These biologically compatible particles can be easily synthesized, tuned to different sizes, and functionalized by conjugation to various biologically useful materials. Efficient and specific delivery to tumor tissue can then be accomplished either by passive accumulation in leaky tumor vessels and tissue, or by directly targeting tumor-specific biomarkers. Tumor-localized GNPs can serve as both adjuvants for enhancing the efficacy of radiation therapy and also as contrast agents for various imaging modalities. In this review, we will discuss recent advancements and future potential in the application of GNP as both a radiosensitizer and an imaging contrast agent. Due to their versatility and biocompatibility, gold nanoparticles may represent a novel theranostic adjuvant for radiation applications in cancer management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Jay F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Dorsey
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Lova
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel Y
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Joh
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Alon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Witztum
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Gary D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Kao
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alonso-Basanta
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Avery
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hahn
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Ajlan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al Zaki
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tsourkas
keywords: Gold Nanoparticle (GNP); nanoscale; radiosensitization; theranostics