The Auger effect in molecular targeting therapy

Abstract

Knowledge on the physical and biological aspects of Auger-electron emission is described and the major attempts to use such emitters in cancer therapy are discussed. Focus is on the need for nuclear localization of the Auger-electron emitters, i.e. preferably targeting the nuclear DNA, to have a good therapy effect. Delivery of Auger-electron emitters using nucleoside analogues, DNA-intercalators, minor groove binders, hormone receptor ligands and oligonucleotides are described as well as the need for nuclear localization signals in peptides and proteins. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.