Lanthanum nanoparticles to target the brain: proof of biodistribution and biocompatibility with adjuvant therapies.

Aim: To determine the biodistribution of lanthanum (III) oxide (La2O3) nanoparticle (NP) therapy to the brain and its biocompatibility with radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT). Materials & methods: Healthy balb/c nude mice were administered 4 weekly doses of La2O3 NP therapy via tail vein injection. Organ weights and lanthanum concentrations were evaluated. Results: La2O3 NP penetrated the brain. Concentrations were found to peak in the brain at 24 h after injection and persisted at 8 weeks after injection. Neither RT nor CT affected biodistribution. No adverse events or safety concerns in other organs were noted. Conclusion: La2O3 NP can reach the brain to target neurological disease and is biocompatible with RT and CT in a biological system.