Auger processes in the 21st century

Abstract

Purpose: The extreme radiotoxicity of Auger electrons and their exquisite capacity to irradiate specific molecular sites has prompted scientists to extensively investigate their radiobiological effects. Their efforts have been punctuated by quadrennial international symposia that have focused on biophysical aspects of Auger processes. The latest meeting, the 6th International Symposium on Physical, Molecular, Cellular, and Medical Aspects of Auger Processes, was held 5–6 July 2007 at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. This article provides a review of the research in this field that was published during the years 2004–2007, the period that has elapsed since the previous meeting.

Conclusion: The field has advanced considerably. A glimpse of the potential of this unique form of ionizing radiation to contribute to future progress in a variety of fields of study is proffered.

Keywords:

• Auger emitters
• radiation chemistry
• radiation physics
• DNA damage
• radiotherapy
• radionuclides

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