Boosting chemotherapeutic response: Citric acid-coated Mn0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles mediated magnetic fluid hyperthermia potentiates docetaxel efficacy in LNCaP cells.

Current therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer (PC) are associated with significant adverse effects, drug resistance, and many other limitations. Docetaxel (DTX), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for PC, requires high doses, often resulting in severe side effects. Combining DTX with hyperthermia has the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing the required drug concentration. In this context, magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) is emerging as a promising treatment modality for solid tumors, including PC. In this study, the combinatorial effect of citric acid-coated Mn0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 magnetic nanoparticle-mediated MFH and DTX on PC cells LNCaP is analyzed. Cell viability, therapeutic synergy, and mode of cell death are evaluated following the two treatment sequences: (i) DTX at IC20 for 24 and 48 h followed by MFH (42-45 °C for 1 h), and (ii) MFH followed by DTX for the same durations. The results show that therapeutic efficacy strongly depends on treatment sequence. MFH followed by DTX induces the highest cytotoxicity, achieving approximately 80-85% cell death, predominantly through apoptosis, indicating strong synergism. In contrast, the reverse sequence results in approximately 60% cell death while maintaining a synergistic interaction. These findings highlight the importance of treatment sequencing and the potential of MFH-assisted combination therapy to enhance therapeutic outcomes in PC.