Ultrastructural Analysis of Cancer Cells Treated with the Radiopharmaceutical Radium Dichloride ([(223)Ra]RaCl(2)): Understanding the Effect on Cell Structure

The use of alpha-particle (α-particle) radionuclides, especially [(223)Ra]RaCl(2) (radium dichloride), for targeted alpha therapy is steadily increasing. Despite the positive clinical outcomes of this therapy, very little data are available about the effect on the ultrastructure of cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nanomechanical and ultrastructure effect of [(223)Ra] RaCl(2) on cancer cells. To analyze the effect of [(223)Ra]RaCl(2) on tumor cells, human breast cancer cells (lineage MDA-MB-231) were cultured and treated with the radiopharmaceutical at doses of 2 µCi and 0.9 µCi. The effect was evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with Raman spectroscopy. The results showed massive destruction of the cell membrane but preservation of the nucleus membrane. No evidence of DNA alteration was observed. The data demonstrated the formation of lysosomes and phagosomes. These findings help elucidate the main mechanism involved in cell death during α-particle therapy.