Lactic acid modified rare earth-based nanomaterials for enhanced radiation therapy by disturbing the glycolysis

Deficient deposition of X-rays and strong capacity of repairing damage DNA of cancer cells limit the effect of radiation therapy (RT). Herein, we synthesize CsLu(2)F(7) nanoparticles with lactic acid (LA) ligands (CsLu(2)F(7)-LA) to overcome these limitations. The high-Z atoms of Lu and Cs can deposit more X-rays for generating enhanced hydroxyl radicals (·OH). Meanwhile, the LA ligand will guide CsLu(2)F(7)-LA to target monocarboxylic acid transporter (MCT) and impede the transportation of free LA, leading to decreased glycolysis and DNA damage repair. Consequently, the curative effect of RT will be enhanced and the strategy of LA accumulation induced radiosensitization is proved by in vivo and in vitro experiments, which will bring prospects for enhanced RT with nanomedicine. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01694-1.