Evaluation of biological effects of panitumumab-conjugated with gold nanoparticles in combination with photothermal therapy in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background: Active targeting strategy in chemotherapy drug delivery aims to improve the therapeutic outcomes and minimize the side effects of chemotherapeutics. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a promising target for Colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. It seems near infrared-photothermal therapy (NIR-PTT) using anti-EGFR antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles (anti-EGFR-AuNPs), can attract considerable interest for non-invasive and targeted CRC treatment through activation of the apoptotic pathway. Aims:This study aims to design and synthesize a targeted nano-drug for apoptosis induction in cultured KRAS mutant CRC cells exposed to combinational Therapy with anti-EGFR-AuNPs and NIR to overcome drug resistance in KRAS mutant CRC cells (SW480) to the chemotherapy drug panitumumab.Methods:In this study, the nanostructure is based on gold nanoparticles synthesized and conjugated with panitumumab. The physicochemical properties of engineered nanobiomedicine (AuP-Pan) were characterized. Then, its biological impacts with and without NIR, including cell viability and apoptosis, were evaluated in KRAS mutant SW-480 CRC cells.Results:The successful synthesis of AuP-Pan was confirmed, revealing a size of 47 nm and a surface charge of -6.81 mV. The study's results indicated remarkable cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of targeted nanostructure combined NIR-PTT against SW480 cells and overcoming the drug resistance of this cell line. Conclusion:Our research yields groundbreaking insights into cancer treatment, particularly for colorectal cancer. We explored an innovative approach by combining an engineered nanostructure with Near-Infrared Radiation (NIR). This integration inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, representing a paradigm shift in therapy. The nanostructure's precision in utilizing NIR for targeted intervention offers a potent treatment modality. It not only halts cancer cell growth but also triggers programmed cell death, promising effective and selective treatment. This approach hints at broader applications for various solid tumors, fostering personalized medicine and potentially transforming cancer treatment outcomes and quality of life.