The potential of gold nanoparticles in prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeted radioligand therapy for future treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeted radioligand therapy is a potent new treatment that improves survival and quality of life in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. However, these require high radiation doses and frequent delivery; hence, innovative strategies to develop future therapeutic agents are needed. Gold nanoparticles’ ability to deliver a large payload of radionuclides, favorable bioavailability, modifiable surfaces, and ability to induce hyperthermia could potentially enhance efficacy when combined with targeted radioligand therapeutic agents. Recent advances in targeted gold nanoparticles and their radiolabeling with potential radioligands, radiobiology, and photothermal effects to facilitate com bination therapies are discussed in this review.