Radiolabeled nanoceria probes may reduce oxidative damages and risk of cancer: A hypothesis for radioisotope-based imaging procedures

Low-dose ionizing radiations are commonly utilized in medical centers for diagnostic imaging procedures. Unfortunately, the absorption of ionizing radiation generates reactive chemical species that could damage cells. In diagnostic radioisotope-based imaging procedures, the radiological exposures by gamma emitter imaging probes such as radioactive technetium (99mTc) could express low risk of cancer. Recently, many studies have documented cell protective, neuro-protective, anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective properties of cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) as a result of their antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties. Since there is no safe level of ionizing radiations, then we hypothesize that radiolabeled nanoceria might be an interesting probe to reduce cancer risk and other related oxidative stresses. We also provide a synthetic scheme of nanoceria functionalization with fluorine radiolabeled ligands as an exemplary approach. In conclusion, using nanoceria to combine radioisotope-based imaging probes with antioxidant activity might open new way to protect patient against radioactive emission of radioisotopes and ionizing radiations in several radioisotope-based imaging applications, in particular for patients who need frequent imaging procedures and children who are more susceptible to radiation.

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