Brian Youden

Brian’s postdoctoral research focused on improving the effectiveness of radiotherapy (RT), particularly for treatment-resistant and hypoxic tumours. While RT remains a primary cancer treatment, tumour hypoxia reduces its effectiveness by limiting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during irradiation. His work addressed this challenge by evaluating hemoglobin-coated hafnium dioxide nanoparticles (HfO₂@Heme NPs) as a next-generation radiosensitizing platform for stereotactic RT.

Hafnium dioxide nanoparticles, such as NBTXR3, are already in clinical use or trials due to their ability to enhance RT through the Auger effect. However, their performance can be reduced under hypoxic conditions. Brian’s project investigated whether functionalizing these nanoparticles with hemoglobin could improve oxygen delivery to hypoxic tumour regions while also enhancing ROS production through Fenton-like reactions with endogenous hydrogen peroxide. Together, these mechanisms were explored as a strategy to increase radiation-induced tumour damage under clinically relevant conditions.

Working with WRHN and clinical collaborators, the project supported preclinical testing of these nanocomposites using cell-based models under hypoxic conditions and stereotactic RT dosing regimes. The work was aligned with translational cancer research goals, aiming to bridge nanotechnology development with clinical oncology applications.

More broadly, the research supported efforts to improve treatment outcomes for patients with resistant cancers by potentially reducing recurrence rates, shortening treatment times, and enhancing the effectiveness of modern radiotherapy approaches.