Functional Nanomaterials for X-Ray Triggered Cancer Therapy: Chemotherapy and Brachytherapy Application Techniques

Abstract

One of the most used cancer therapies, radiation therapy (RT), and a relatively
new one, radio-dynamic therapy (RDT), both make use of X-rays, a type of ionising radiation
that has a high intensity and strong tissue-penetration. Unsatisfactory treatment efficacy and
substantial harm to healthy tissues can result from X-rays' nonspecific absorption and the
unique tumour microenvironment. The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has opened up
numerous possibilities for the creation of useful nanoparticles and approaches to address these
issues. We will review the current state of functional nanomaterials and related strategies, talk
about how they overcome obstacles to make RT and RDT safer and more effective, and then
comment on the difficulties and potential solutions for nanomedicine-based efficient X-raytriggered
cancer therapy. Radiation therapy has been helpful for cancer patients for more than
100 years. Modern, highly-technological treatment methods make it feasible to customise
radiation doses such that normal tissues around the cancer receive the least amount of radiation
possible. Despite tremendous scientific progress over the past few decades, there are still some
cancers where we are fighting to improve patient survival rates. The urgent requirement for
additional advances, including those utilising nanotechnology, is emphasised by this. Various
treatment objectives may be advanced with the use of radiation. It could, for instance, make
surgery more successful, slow the spread of cancer, or alleviate symptoms of advanced cancer.
A photon beam is the most common kind of radiation therapy instrument. Although X-rays use
lesser doses of photons, they are nevertheless utilised. Localised tumours can be targeted by
photon beams. Radiation is scattered as photon beams travel through the body. Even after
they've reached the tumour, these rays go on to normal tissue. A form of cancer treatment
known as radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays,
gamma rays, electron beams, or another form of energy, to inhibit the development and division
of cancer cells. Consequently, the cell will progressively contract and eventually die. While
radiation therapy does its best to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, it can occasionally
harm healthy cells nearby the cancer or prevent them from dividing and expanding by damaging
their DNA. Following surgery to remove the cancerous tumour, radiotherapy may be
administered as part of the treatment plan to reduce the likelihood of tumour recurrence. Before,
after, or in conjunction with chemotherapy, radiation treatment is administered to tumours that
are particularly vulnerable in order to maximise the efficacy of the drug.