Investigation of the effect of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on primary head and neck cancer cells and comparable cell lines for cancer therapy with magnetic drug targeting

We are pursuing the aim of an individualised therapy of different head and neck cancers (HNC) using the effective combination of specific chemotherapeutics-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and magnetic drug targeting (MDT). SPIONs are coated with a biocompatible substance and subsequent connected to a chemotherapeutic substance. The resulting product is applied to the vascular system which supplies the cancer and will be concentrated in the cancer by using an external magnetic field. Furthermore we will generate a tumor bank of primary cells that contain the full diversity of HNC. After collecting excess HNC tissue from patients, single cells are separated from the tissue by adding specific enzymes. Subsequently, the clones are characterised visually and by cancer cell-specific antibodies to assure a cancer cell-derived origin. Each primary cancer cell line is aliquoted and stored in liquid nitrogen. After one week, the survival of the freezing procedure, the viability of the cell line and the applicability of cell passaging is tested. Out of 39 tissue samples it was possible to separate different HNC cell lines. Yet it was not possible to separate them completely from the surrounding tissue and furthermore most of them showed a deficient growth behavior. It is necessary to further optimize the procedure to gain stable and sustainable cancer cell lines. After successful establishment of the cancer cell lines, we will investigate the cellular effects after treatment with SPIONs. Furthermore, the treatment efficacy of SPIONs in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs will be examined in vitro. The project will be a great basis for future developments towards an oncologic treatment using MDT in head and neck oncology.

Poster-PDF A-1619.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020