Gadolinium in human glioblastoma cells for gadolinium neutron capture therapy

Gd-157 is a potential agent for neutron capture cancer therapy (GdNCT). We directly observed the microdistribution of Gd in cultured human glioblastom a cells exposed to Gd-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). We demo nstrated, with three independent techniques, that Gd-DTPA penetrates the pl asma membrane, and we observed no deleterious effect on cell survival. A sy stematic microchemical analysis revealed a higher Gd accumulation in cell n uclei compared with cytoplasm. This is significant for prospective GdNCT be cause the proximity of Gd to DNA increases the cell-killing potential of th e short-range, high-energy electrons emitted during the neutron capture rea ction. We also exposed Gd-containing cells to thermal neutrons and demonstr ated the GdNC reaction effectiveness in inducing cell death. These results irt vitro stimulated in vivo Gd-DTPA uptake studies, currently underway, in human glioblastoma patients.