Platinum nanoparticles in cancer therapy: chemotherapeutic enhancement and ROS generation

Emmanuel Faderin; Terungwa H Iorkula; Omowunmi Rebecca Aworinde; Raymond Femi Awoyemi; Christopher Taiwo Awoyemi; Edward Acheampong; Janefrances U Chukwu; Peter Agyemang; Gregory E Onaiwu; Ikhazuagbe Hilary Ifijen

doi:10.1007/s12032-024-02598-w

Platinum nanoparticles in cancer therapy: chemotherapeutic enhancement and ROS generation

Med Oncol. 2025 Jan 9;42(2):42. doi: 10.1007/s12032-024-02598-w.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, 1 Hairpin Drive, Edwardsville, IL, 62026-001, USA.
² Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University Provo, Provo, UT, USA.
³ Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA.
⁴ Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, 39762, USA.
⁵ Laboratory Department, Covenant University Medical Centre, Canaanland, KM 10, Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
⁶ C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, 217 Clark Hall, Stewart Hall, PO Box 6201, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6201, USA.
⁷ Department of Physical Science (Chemistry Option), Benson Idahosa University, PMB 1100, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
⁸ Department of Research Outreach, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. ifijen.hilary@rrin.gov.ng.

PMID: 39789336
DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02598-w

Abstract

Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) offer significant promise in cancer therapy by enhancing the therapeutic effects of platinum-based chemotherapies like cisplatin. These nanoparticles improve tumor targeting, reduce off-target effects, and help overcome drug resistance. PtNPs exert their anti-cancer effects primarily through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in cancer cells. Additionally, PtNPs interact with cellular signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT and MAPK, sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy. Advances in PtNP synthesis focus on optimizing size, shape, and surface modifications to enhance biocompatibility and targeting. Functionalization with biomolecules allows selective tumor delivery, while smart release systems enable controlled drug release. In vivo studies have shown that PtNPs significantly inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating their safety and efficacy. This review explores PtNPs' mechanisms of action, nanotechnology advancements, and challenges in biocompatibility, with a focus on their potential integration into cancer treatments.

Keywords: Cancer therapy; Chemotherapeutic enhancement; Cisplatin; Nanomedicine; Platinum nanoparticles; Reactive oxygen species.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Antineoplastic Agents* / administration & dosage
Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
Humans
Metal Nanoparticles* / administration & dosage
Metal Nanoparticles* / chemistry
Metal Nanoparticles* / therapeutic use
Neoplasms* / drug therapy
Neoplasms* / metabolism
Neoplasms* / pathology
Platinum* / chemistry
Platinum* / therapeutic use
Reactive Oxygen Species* / metabolism

Substances

Reactive Oxygen Species
Antineoplastic Agents
Platinum