Auger radiation targeted into DNA: a therapy perspective.
BACKGROUND
Auger electron emitters that can be targeted into DNA of tumour cells represent an attractive systemic radiation therapy goal. In the situation of DNA-associated decay, the high linear energy transfer (LET) of Auger electrons gives a high relative biological efficacy similar to that of alpha particles. In contrast to alpha radiation, however, Auger radiation is of low toxicity when decaying outside the cell nucleus, as in cytoplasm or outside cells during blood transport. The challenge for such therapies is the requirement to target a high percentage of all cancer cells. An overview of Auger radiation therapy approaches of the past decade shows several research directions and various targeting vehicles. The latter include hormones, peptides, halogenated nucleotides, oligonucleotides and internalising antibodies.


CONCLUSIONS
Here, we will discuss the basic principles of Auger electron therapy as compared with vector-guided alpha and beta radiation. We also review some radioprotection issues and briefly present the main advantages and disadvantages of the different targeting modalities that are under investigation.
Buchegger
Franz
F
Service of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne CHUV, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland. Franz.Buchegger@chuv.ch
Perillo-Adamer
Florence
F
Dupertuis
Yves M
YM
Delaloye
Angelika Bischof
AB
D004249:DNA Damage; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004583:Electrons / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D011868:Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals