Gamma irradiation of ocular melanoma and lymphoma cells in the presence of gold nanoparticles: in vitro study

The aim of this work was to determine whether conjugation of cultivated choroidal melanoma and Burkitt's lymphoma cells with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) is beneficial for these series of ocular cancer patients. GNPs are radiosensitizers and can sensitize tumors to radiotherapy.This application has been examined in several tumor types, but not in choroidal melanoma. This study shows the results of in vitro study on the choroidal melanoma and also Burkitt's lymphoma cells in the presence of GNPs during continuous gamma irradiation. Cytotoxicity of GNPs were assessed for five different concentrations then cultured melanoma and Burkitt's lymphoma cells were irradiated with a Gamma source in the presence and absence of NPs. Incubation of melanoma cells with GNP concentrations below 100 μg/ml, accompanied by gamma irradiation, increased cell death (P value = 0.016) . In the absence of irradiation, GNPs at these concentrations did not affect cultured melanoma cell metabolism. Reduced cell viability resulted from a significant increase in absorbed energy by the tumor. Moreover, GNP concentrations higher than 200 μg/ml induced cytotoxicity in melanoma cells. Cytotoxicity assay in GNPs‐loaded Burkitt's lymphoma cells showed a slight decrease in cell viability at 50 μg/ml and clear cytotoxicity at concentrations higher than 100 μg/ml (P value = 0.035). Concentration and proper injection doses of GNPs in sensitive tissues such as the human eye are important variables yet to be determined.This is the first report of choroidal melanoma dosimetry performed in the presence of GNPs and provides valuable insights into future therapeutic approaches. Further in vitro study with more different sizes and concentrations is needed to determine the optimum size and concentration before any clinical research in this regard.