Method of Tumors Magnetic-LuminescentTheranostics Based on Nanoparticles of the Hematoporphyrin IX tetramethyl ether Ytterbium Complex and Iron Oxides

Purpose: To develop the foundations of a new promising method of cancer magnetic-luminescent theranostics (MLT): luminescent diagnostics of tumors in the near-infrared spectral range (NIR) in combination with local ferromagnetic hyperthermia. Material and methods: For theranostics purposes, the synthesis of multifunctional nanoparticles consisting of an iron oxide core and a Lexan-polymer shell containing the ytterbium complex of hematoporphyrin IX tetramethyl ether (Yb-TME HP IX) was carried out. The study of the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of the nanocomposite in the animals’ organs and tissues (30 female Bulb/c mice with grafted Ehrlich carcinoma) was carried out on a prototype laser-fiber fluorimeter. Results: The foundations of a new promising method of the cancer MLT have been developed: luminescent diagnostics of tumors in the NIR in combination with local ferromagnetic hyperthermia. A technique has been created for the synthesis of nanoparticles containing an iron oxide core and a polymer shell of the Lexan type, including Yb-TME HP IX. It is assumed that iron oxide nanoparticles are responsible for the local hyperthermia procedure. The inclusion of the FeOx core in composite nanoparticles allows for controlled local high frequency hyperthermia of tissues that have accumulated the nanocomposite, although it leads to a decrease in its diagnostic potential (to an approximately 2-fold decrease in the intensity of Yb-TME HP IX luminescence). However, this disadvantage can be compensated for by a slight increase in the nanocomposite therapeutic dose. Conclusion: The obtained data indicate the promise of using synthesized nanoparticles with the structure Lexan-polymer matrix + Yb-HP IX for the development of sensitive luminescent methods for diagnosing tumors of visually and endoscopically accessible localization. The size of the synthesized nanoparticles (100–200 nm) suggests the possibility of their preferential accumulation in tumor tissue due to penetration through defects in the endothelium of tumor blood vessels, as well as due to the natural tumor tropism of the porphyrin part of the complex. The use of magnetic nanoparticles in the proposed method of tumors MLT makes it possible to locally increase the intensity of the effect and reduce the frequency and magnitude of the required induction of an alternating electromagnetic field, and therefore reduce the likelihood of unwanted side effects from the field.