Nanoparticles & New Therapies: Reducing Chemotherapy Toxicity & Boosting Cancer Cell Death
New Nanoparticle Strategy Shows Promise in Reducing Chemotherapy Toxicity
Madrid – Researchers at the Institute of Science of Materials of Madrid (ICMM-CSIC) have demonstrated a novel approach to cancer treatment that combines chemotherapy with localized heat application using nanoparticles, resulting in increased cancer cell death in vitro while potentially reducing the toxic side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.
The study, published in the journal Advanced NanoBiomed Research and highlighted as the cover story in its recent edition, centers around the use of magnetic nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug. These nanoparticles are activated by two distinct heat sources: a magnetic field inducing magnetic hyperthermia, and near-infrared radiation, a form of photothermal therapy. The combined application of these heat sources allows for a controlled release of the drug directly within the tumor cells, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
“We have made the nanoparticles release the drug just when they receive this heat, which is known as localized chemotherapy under clinically safe conditions,” explained Ana Espinosa, a researcher at CSIC and leader of the work, according to a press release from the ICMM-CSIC. “By activating the release of the drug sensitive to pH and the synergistic warming inside cancer cells, these nanoparticles achieve a potent destruction of tumor cells while minimizing systemic toxicity.”
The research team created magnetic nanoparticles, measuring a millionth of a centimeter in size, and loaded them with doxorubicin. The trimodal treatment – combining magnetic nanoparticles, magnetic hyperthermia, and near-infrared radiation – allows for a decrease in the necessary dosage of the drug, according to the study. Initial tests were conducted on in vitro models of breast cancer cells, with researchers suggesting the potential for application to other tumor types and scalability for larger-scale treatments.
The strategy leverages the principle of hyperthermia – using heat to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. By combining two different methods of generating localized heat, the researchers were able to achieve a more potent effect than using either method alone. The localized drug release, triggered by the heat, further enhances the treatment’s precision and reduces off-target effects.
The research was a collaborative effort between the ICMM-CSIC and the IMDEA Nanociencia Institute, with participation from the Institut Curie in France and the Institute of Ceramics and Glass. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of this approach in in vivo models and, in human clinical trials. As of March 25, 2026, the treatment remains in the early stages of development and has not yet been applied to patients.