Gd-doped iron-oxide nanoparticles for tumour therapy via magnetic field hyperthermia

Gd-doped iron oxide nanoparticles were developed for use in tumour therapy via magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH). The nanoparticle composition was Gd0.02Fe2.98O4 as determined by ICP-AES. TEM image analysis showed the primary particles to be about 13 nm in diameter. The specific power adsorption rate (SAR) determined with a field strength of 246 Oe and 52 kHz was 36 W per gram of Fe. This value is about 4 times higher than the reported SAR values for Fe3O4. The heating rate for the nanoparticles in vivo and the potential for tumour therapy were determined in a mouse model. The mouse models treated with doped iron oxide displayed much slower tumour growth, the tumour doubled its mass after 7 days post-treatment compared to 4 days for those models treated with standard iron oxide or saline solution.