Misunderstanding and criticism of EPR effect

Abstract

I describe misunderstandings of the EPR effect in the former part of this review and criticism against the EPR effect in the latter part. The EPR effect was first presented in an article published in 1986, and has become a common concept not only in the Japan Society of DDS but also in other related societies in medical, engineering, and pharmaceutical fields. At present in these societies’ meetings, the EPR effect may be cited without any explanation. In this situation, I think many misunderstandings may happen concerning the EPR effect. Additionally, discussion may be arisen what area the EPR effect covers. In the former part, I summarize historical backgrounds and a definition of the EPR effect, and then explain several points that may be misunderstood concerning the EPR effect. In the latter part, I cite one review paper that described criticism against the EPR effect, and express my opinion on this criticism. Although my opinion is opposite to this criticism in most points, I appreciate discussion raised by this criticism because criticism is essential in developments of science.