Atomic radiations in the decay of medical radioisotopes: a physics perspective

Comput Math Methods Med. 2012:2012:651475. doi: 10.1155/2012/651475. Epub 2012 Aug 14.

Abstract

Auger electrons emitted in nuclear decay offer a unique tool to treat cancer cells at the scale of a DNA molecule. Over the last forty years many aspects of this promising research goal have been explored, however it is still not in the phase of serious clinical trials. In this paper, we review the physical processes of Auger emission in nuclear decay and present a new model being developed to evaluate the energy spectrum of Auger electrons, and hence overcome the limitations of existing computations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry
  • Electrons*
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / pharmacology*
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Physics / methods*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Oncology / methods
  • Radioactivity*
  • Radioisotopes / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Radioisotopes
  • DNA