Activatable particles, preparation and uses

A method of cancer treatment, comprising (i) administering biocompatible composite particles or nanoparticle aggregates, which can generate free radicals or heat when excited by X rays applied by using a system of radiotherapy or radiography, to a patient suffering from a cancer, each of said biocompatible composite particle comprising:

• a nucleus comprising a first inorganic compound that absorbs X rays and emits UV-visible energy, and said nucleus further comprises a second, inorganic or organic compound, that absorbs said UV-visible energy and then produces said free radicals on contact with water or oxygen, said composite particle
• optionally additionally comprising a biocompatible coating allowing the diffusion of small molecules and free radicals,
• in conditions allowing the particles or nanoparticle aggregates to penetrate inside the cancer cells, and (ii) subsequently treating the patient in the presence of X rays, leading to an alteration, disturbance or functional destruction of the patient's cancer cells, thereby treating the cancer.

A method of cancer treatment, comprising (i) administering a composition comprising biocompatible composite particles or nanoparticle aggregates, which can generate free radicals or heat when excited by X rays applied by using a system of radiotherapy or radiography, to a patient suffering from a cancer, each of said biocompatible composite particle comprising:

• a nucleus comprising a first inorganic compound that absorbs X rays and emits UV-visible energy, and said nucleus further comprising a second, inorganic or organic compound, that absorbs said UV-visible energy and then produces said free radicals on contact with water or oxygen, said composite particle
• optionally additionally comprising a biocompatible coating allowing diffusion of small molecules and free radicals,
• in conditions allowing the particles or nanoparticle aggregates to penetrate inside the cancer cells, and (ii) subsequently treating the patient in the presence of X rays, leading to an alteration, disturbance or functional destruction of the patient's cancer cells, thereby treating the cancer.