Cisplatin‐conjugated gold nanoparticles as a theranostic agent for head and neck cancer

Background The purpose of this study was to develop a nanoplatform, which simultaneously acts as radiosensitizer, drug carrier, and tumor imaging agent for head and neck cancer. Methods We synthesized 20 nm gold nanoparticles, coated with glucose and cisplatin (CG‐GNPs). Their penetration into tumor cells and their cellular toxicity were evaluated in vitro. In vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate their impact on tumor growth and their imaging capabilities. Results The CG‐GNPs showed efficient penetration into tumor cells and similar cellular toxicity as cisplatin alone. Combined with radiation, CG‐GNPs led to greater tumor reduction than that of radiation alone and radiation with free cisplatin. The CG‐GNPs also demonstrated efficient tumor imaging capabilities. Conclusion Our CG‐GNPs have a great potential to increase antitumor effect, overcome resistance to chemotherapeutics and radiation, and allow imaging‐guided therapy.