Enhanced cancer cell killing by a targeting gold nanoconstruct with doxorubicin payload under X-ray irradiation

In this report, a cancer-targeting nanoconstruct enters a cancer cell four times more readily than non-targeting nanoparticles. Inside the cell, the nanoconstruct conducts a double DNA attack from a DNA intercalating drug doxorubicin and radiation-enhancing gold nanoparticles achieving 2.5 fold higher DNA double strand breakage in the cancer genome. An overall 4.0 or 2.7-fold increase in cancer cell killing was achieved compared to the free drug without or with X-ray irradiation and a significant reduction in nonspecific toxicity to folate receptor-negative cells demonstrated the unique advantage of a nanomedicine approach to future chemotherapy and radiotherapy.