# Theranostic Angiopep-2-Conjugated FeTaO x @Au Core–Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles for Glioma Treatment and Dual Medical Imaging

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new nanoparticle platform for glioma treatment that combines imaging and therapy to improve cancer care.

## Contribution

A novel FeTaOx@Au-ANG nanoparticle platform is developed for dual-modality imaging and magnetic hyperthermia therapy in glioma.

## Key findings

- FeTaOx@Au-ANG nanoparticles showed excellent T1/T2 MRI and CT imaging capabilities for tumor localization.
- Magnetic hyperthermia using these nanoparticles reduced glioma cell viability by ~90%.
- In vivo tests showed tumor growth suppression and an 18-day survival extension in treated subjects.

## Abstract

In this work, iron–tantalum
oxide nanoparticles (FeTaO
x
NPs) with
a gold coating modified by Angiopep-2
(FeTaO
x
@Au-ANG) were developed to achieve
dual-modality imaging and magnetically induced hyperthermia therapy
for glioma. The 13.5 nm sized FeTaO
x
@Au-ANG
NPs’ exhibited superparamagnetic behavior with excellent dual T
1/T
2-weighted MRI
contrast of Fe existence and enhanced X-ray attenuation for computed
tomography (CT) imaging, enabling accurate tumor localization through
complementary imaging modalities. The incorporation of Ta and Au not
only improved biocompatibility but also provided a high CT contrast
effect. Upon magnetic stimulation, the NPs efficiently elevated the
intratumoral temperature, leading to a significant (∼90%) reduction
in glioma cell viability. ANG modification further enhanced the targeted
uptake of NPs by glioma cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed
extensive coagulative and glial necrosis, elevated GFAP expression,
and a reduced Ki67 index, consistent with effective tumor ablation. In vivo, FeTaO
x
@Au-ANG NPs treatment
markedly suppressed tumor growth and extended survival by 18 days.
Overall, this multifunctional nanoplatform demonstrates synergistic
MRI/CT imaging-guided magnetic hyperthermia with high therapeutic
efficacy and minimal side effects, offering strong potential for clinical
cancer theranostics.