Targeted hyperthermia using metal nanoparticles

Despite the use of hyperthermia, to treat cancer for thousands of years, the challenge of only heating malignant cells remains daunting. In pre-clinical and early clinical trials, metal nanoparticles induce hyperthermic cytotoxicity when exposed to near-infrared radiation or radiofrequency fields. We discuss the emerging roles of nanoparticles, especially gold, in the hyperthermic treatment of cancer. In addition, we discuss the similarities of radiofrequency, ablation and nanoparticle mediated cytotoxicity. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.