Document Type : Original Research

Authors

• Farid Mortazavi ^{1, 2}
• Paria Tamaddon ²
• Ali Ketabi ^{1, 3}
• Hanieh Haghighi ¹
• Kiana Khajeheian ²
• Masoud Haghani ^{1, 4}
• Tahereh Mahmoudi ^{1, 2}
• Sadegh Masjoodi ⁵
• Masoud Negahdary ^{6, 7}
• Naghmeh Sattarahmady ^{1, 2}

¹ Nanomedicine and Nanobiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

² Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

³ Physics Unit, Department of Radio-oncology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

⁴ Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

⁵ Neuroscience Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

⁶ Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 600 Discovery Drive, College Station, TX, 77840-3006, USA

⁷ Center for Remote Health Technologies & Systems, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, 600 Discovery Drive, College Station, TX, 77840-3006, USA

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, underscoring the need for the development of more effective treatment strategies. Radiotherapy (RT), particularly intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), has enhanced tumor targeting while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Nevertheless, radioresistance and challenges posed by the tumor microenvironment limit its efficacy.
Objective: Selenium-curcumin-polyethylene glycol 600 nanoparticles (Se-Cur-PEG NPs) analyzed as radiosensitizers in IMRT for lung cancer treatment.
Material and Methods: In this experimental study, Se-Cur-PEG NPs were synthesized and characterized for their potential as radiosensitizers.
Results: The in vitro toxicity of Se-Cur-PEG NPs against A549 lung cancer cells was evaluated using MTT assays, demonstrating a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability. The combination of Se-Cur-PEG NPs (50 µg mL^-1) with IMRT (4 Gy) resulted in a significant enhancement in cell death compared to either treatment alone, indicating a strong synergistic effect (CI=1.21) and a notable sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER=2.5). Intracellular ROS generation analysis confirmed that Se-Cur-PEG NPs amplified IMRT-induced oxidative stress, contributing to increased cancer cell toxicity. 
Conclusion: These findings suggest that Se-Cur-PEG NPs hold promise as effective radiosensitizers, potentially improving lung cancer RT outcomes.

Keywords

• Intensity-Modulated
• Lung Neoplasms
• Selenium nanoparticles
• Oxidative Stress
• Radiation-Sensitizing Agents