Synergistic Anticancer Effects of Gemcitabine-Functionalized Au Nanoparticles in Combination with Radiotherapy and Ultrasound Irritation in MCF-7 Cells

Abstract

Breast cancer ranks first in terms of incidence and mortality among women. Considering challenges such as cancer recurrence and secondary malignancies among patients receiving conventional treatment, it is essential to develop combined treatments to provide effective treatment with minimal complications. Initially, Polyethylene glycol-modified Au nanoparticles (PEG-Au) were prepared; these structures were subsequently utilized to load Gemcitabine, forming the final nanoparticles (Gem-PEG-Au). Characterization studies demonstrated that Gem-PEG-Au nanoparticles had a hydrodynamic diameter of 26.9 ± 2.1 nm, a TEM size of 22.4 nm, and a zeta potential of − 19.8 ± 1.5 mV. The Gem-PEG-Au nanoparticles showed considerable radiosensitizing and sonosensitizing capabilities, leading to enhanced therapeutic performance under radiotherapy and ultrasound exposure and concurrently limiting potential adverse outcomes. Combined X-ray and ultrasound exposure in the presence of Gem-PEG-Au reduced MCF-7 cell viability to 34.2. Furthermore, combined X-ray and ultrasound exposure in the presence of Gem-PEG-Au augmented apoptosis in MCF-7 cells compared with X-ray exposure and Gem-PEG-Au treatment alone. In conclusion, Gem-PEG-Au can be an effective agent for the combined treatment of radiotherapy and ultrasound-based treatments. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026.