The quest to exploit the Auger effect in cancer radiotherapy – a reflective review

Abstract

To identify the emergence of the recognition of the potential of the Auger effect for clinical application, and after tracing the salient milestones towards that goal, to evaluate the status quo and future prospects. It was not until 40 years after the discovery of Auger electrons, that the availability of radioactive DNA precursors enabled the biological power, and the clinical potential, of the Auger effect to be appreciated. Important milestones on the path to clinical translation have been identified and reached, but hurdles remain. Nevertheless the potential is still evident, and there is reasonable optimism that the goal of clinical translation is achievable.

Keywords:

• Auger emitters
• Auger electrons
• DNA double-strand breaks
• Auger endoradiotherapy

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Keith Baverstock, Dudley Goodhead, Roger Howell and Hiroshi Maezawa for their help in identifying the participants of the Oxford Auger Symposium in Figure 1. Olga Martin’s support in various guises is much-appreciated.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.