Sub-10 nm Cu(5)FeS(4) cube for magnetic resonance imaging-guided photothermal therapy of cancer

BACKGROUND: Facile synthesis and small size theranostic agents have shown great potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. PURPOSE: A ternary compound (Cu(5)FeS(4)), Fe doped copper sulfide, with novel magnetic properties and strong near-infrared absorption was prepared for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging guided photothermal therapy of cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Firstly, the capability of magnetic resonance imaging based on the novel magnetic properties and the photothermal performance due to the strong near-infrared absorption was investigated in vitro. Then, the magnetic resonance imaging guided photothermal therapy for 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse was carried out. RESULTS: The Cu(5)FeS(4) cube with good T(1)-weighted MRI, excellent photothermal performance and low cytotoxicity has been investigated. More importantly, the T(1)-weighted MRI for 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse will get the best contrast effect at tumor site after 8 h of intravenous injection of Cu(5)FeS(4) cube. Under the guidance of the T(1)-weighted MRI, the PTT was carried out at 8 h after intravenous injection of Cu(5)FeS(4) cube and only the group combined intravenous administration of Cu(5)FeS(4) cube and laser irradiation nearly cured the tumor after 14 days. CONCLUSION: Our study not only provides a new material for personalized treatment of tumors, but also further promotes potential applications of the cancer theranostic agents.