Low Energy X-Ray Irradiated 2D Functional Nanosystems for Deep Solid Tumor Therapy, Agnostic of Cancer Type

In conventional cancer treatments, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and more recently targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are considered successful approaches. However, limitations such as cytotoxicity, multi-drug resistance and lack of specificity are challenges for beneficial cancer treatments. Light-based treatments (e.g. phototherapy, photodynamic therapy) are less invasive and have been shown to be promising even if deep-seated tumors pose a challenge due to limited tissue penetration. The use of X-Rays to excite oncotherapy, enhanced by nanomaterials able to transfer cytotoxic species to the tumor mass, can overcome this drawback. In this respect 2D nanomaterials, like graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, layered double hydroxides, etc. have shown intriguing performance both in-vitro and in-vivo.<br/><br/>We present here an oncotherapic approach based on properly engineered (patent-pending) 2D organic/inorganic nanomaterials under low energy X-ray irradiation conditions. The approach does not deliver specific drugs for a particular type of tumor (like e.g. chemotherapy), rather it excites material-mediated physico-chemical processes. Therefore, the therapy is agnostic to the type of cancer and to gender incidence because it doesn't affect the body biochemistry.<br/><br/>Computer simulation procedures to define the most efficient X-Ray absorbing materials and best irradiation conditions will be discussed. Then, the synthesis and characterization of the new hybrid nanosystems will be presented and a few emblematic examples of their radiosensitizing efficacy under low energy X-Ray irradiation on cancer cells will be shown.<br/><br/><b>Acknowledgment:</b> This work has been funded by the Horizon Europe Project "PERSEUS" [grant number 101099423].