Dual-Responsive Nanoplatform for Image-Guided Hyperthermia and Chemotherapy in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant forms of brain cancer, characterized by rapid progression, high recurrence, and a limited response to conventional therapies. This clinical challenge highlights the urgent need for advanced, multimodal therapeutic strategies. In this study, we present a dual-responsive nanoplatform engineered from iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles and gold nanorods, specifically designed to facilitate synchronized magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) in combination with chemotherapeutic delivery and in vivo imaging. The nanohybrid was synthesized through a seed-mediated thermal decomposition approach, yielding uniform, stable, and biocompatible structures with high magnetic responsiveness and strong near-infrared absorption. Upon external application of an alternating magnetic field and NIR irradiation, the system generated localized heat sufficient to induce therapeutic hyperthermia. In vitro experiments using U87-MG glioblastoma cells demonstrated significant cytotoxicity under combined MHT and PTT, with this combination clearly outperforming either modality alone. In vivo studies in a murine GBM model showed efficient tumor accumulation, pronounced tumor regression, and no detectable systemic toxicity. For added functionality, doxorubicin was conjugated for chemotherapeutic synergy, and a near-infrared fluorescent dye was co-loaded to facilitate real-time biodistribution analysis and image-guided therapy. This multifunctional nanoplatform represents a promising minimally invasive strategy for effective glioblastoma treatment through thermally synchronized, targeted intervention.