title: Gold nanorod-mediated near-infrared laser ablation: in vivo experiments on mice and theoretical analysis at different settings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was the in vivo assessment of the effects of gold nanorod (AuNR)-mediated laser ablation (LA) of flank xenograft tumours. We investigated: the differences between intra-tumoural (TIT) and surface tumoural temperature (TS); the influence of AuNRs concentration and laser power (P) on both these temperatures and on tumour regression. Lastly, experimental data were used to validate a theoretical model developed to predict the effects of AuNR-mediated LA.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two nude mice were treated using near-infra-red light at two P, 3 d after injecting increasing AuNR doses. TITand TSwere recorded during the procedure by two thermocouples, one located within the tumour and the other one on the skin adjacent to the tumour. Tumour regression was assessed 2 d after near-infra-red exposure via Xenogen imaging. A three-dimensional temperature map was obtained by finite element modelling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TITand TSdifference is substantial when AuNRs are injected. Moreover, the maximum temperature reached is strongly influenced by both P and AuNR concentration. Tumours heated above 55 °C experienced regression. Good agreement between experimental and theoretical TITwas found (maximum difference of 4 °C).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data show significant influence of P and AuNR concentration on the temperatures reached during AuNR-mediated LA of solid tumours. TSand TITdifference increases with AuNRs concentration. Simulated temperatures agree quite well with experimental data. Together, these results represent the first step towards a rationally designed strategy to select the most promising laser settings and AuNRs concentration to improve solid tumour treatment outcomes.
authors: a Department of Neurosciences , Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope , Duarte , CA , United States.
authors: Rachael
authors: R
authors: Mooney
authors: b Department of Engineering, Unit of Measurements and Biomedical Instrumentation , Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma , Rome , Italy.
authors: Emiliano
authors: E
authors: Schena
authors: c France Institute of Image-Guided Surgery (IHU) , Strasbourg , France , Strasbourg Cedex , France.
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Saccomandi
authors: d Department of Urology , Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope , Duarte , CA , United States.
authors: Ali
authors: A
authors: Zhumkhawala
authors: a Department of Neurosciences , Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope , Duarte , CA , United States.
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Aboody
authors: e Department of Molecular Medicine , Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope , Duarte , CA , United States.
authors: Jacob M
authors: JM
authors: Berlin
keywords:  trials; Gold nanorods; finite element modelling; gold nanorods-mediated photothermal ablation; temperature monitoring