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The Physico‐Chemical Basis of DNA Radiosensitization: Implications for Cancer Radiation Therapy
Author(s) -
Schürmann Robin,
Vogel Stefanie,
Ebel Kenny,
Bald Ilko
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.201800804
Subject(s) - radiation therapy , radiosensitizer , cancer therapy , cancer , cancer research , radiation , chemistry , radiochemistry , medicine , physics , quantum mechanics
High‐energy radiation is used in combination with radiosensitizing therapeutics to treat cancer. The most common radiosensitizers are halogenated nucleosides and cisplatin derivatives, and recently also metal nanoparticles have been suggested as potential radiosensitizing agents. The radiosensitizing action of these compounds can at least partly be ascribed to an enhanced reactivity towards secondary low‐energy electrons generated along the radiation track of the high‐energy primary radiation, or to an additional emission of secondary reactive electrons close to the tumor tissue. This is referred to as physico‐chemical radiosensitization. In this Concept article we present current experimental methods used to study fundamental processes of physico‐chemical radiosensitization and discuss the most relevant classes of radiosensitizers. Open questions in the current discussions are identified and future directions outlined, which can lead to optimized treatment protocols or even novel therapeutic concepts.