Metallic nanoparticles in cervical cancer therapy: A molecular perspective on modulating sensitivity to conventional treatments--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Raisha Anis Fatiha^a, Christian Kencana Ngabdi^a, Jihan Salwa Azizah^a, Bayu Lestari ^b, Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek^{c d}, Happy Kurnia Permatasari^e *

a Master of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
b Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
c Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, 81310, Malaysia
d Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano), Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, 81310, Malaysia
e Biochemistry and Biomolecular Department, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia

10.1016/j.partic.2026.03.029

Volume 113, June 2026, Pages 264-280

Received 5 June 2025, Revised 9 March 2026, Accepted 20 March 2026, Available online 1 April 2026, Version of Record 8 April 2026.

E-mail: happykp@ub.ac.id

Highlights

• Metallic nanoparticles enhance radiotherapy via radiosensitization effects.

• Smart drug-loaded MNPs improve chemotherapy precision and reduce toxicity.

• Dual-action MNPs trigger ROS and ferroptosis in cervical cancer cells.

• Theranostic MNPs integrate imaging and treatment in real-time interventions.

• Multifunctional nanoplatforms overcome therapy resistance in cervical cancer.

Abstract

Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), are emerging as multifunctional platforms that enhance the sensitivity of cervical cancer to conventional treatments through synergistic mechanisms. Cervical cancer frequently exhibits resistance to radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy, driven by HPV-associated molecular alterations and tumor microenvironmental factors. High atomic number (Z) MNPs, such as AuNPs, act as effective radiosensitizers by amplifying localized radiation dose deposition, thereby increasing DNA double-strand breaks and impairing DNA repair processes during RT. In parallel, MNP-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and ferroptosis induction further potentiate chemoradiotherapy-induced cytotoxicity and help overcome radioresistance. As targeted drug delivery systems, MNPs enable ligand-directed and stimuli-responsive release of chemotherapeutic agents, enhancing intracellular drug accumulation and circumventing drug resistance mechanisms while reducing systemic toxicity. Moreover, SPIONs and AuNP-based theranostic platforms facilitate image-guided treatment planning and monitoring, supporting precision and adaptive cervical cancer therapy. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of clinically relevant MNPs as adjuvant modulators of chemoradiotherapy sensitivity, offering promising strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy and personalization in cervical cancer management.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs); Cervical cancer; Radiosensitization; Drug resistance; HPV; Targeted drug delivery

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