Radiotherapy dose enhancement

Radiotherapy dose enhancement refers to a set of physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms or agents that increase the effectiveness of ionizing radiation in killing cancer cells. This is not a defined molecular entity or receptor, but rather a phenomenon primarily achieved by introducing high atomic number (high-Z) nanoparticles—such as gold, iron oxide, or rare-earth nanoscintillators—into tumors. When exposed to X-rays, these materials amplify local energy deposition via the photoelectric and Auger effects, resulting in the emission of secondary electrons and increased production of reactive oxygen species, which causes more extensive DNA and cellular damage in cancer cells. Various nanoparticles are under investigation as radiosensitizers to achieve this effect, and their performance depends on physical properties such as size, concentration, and localization within tumors. While dose enhancement can strongly improve tumor control, safety concerns include the unintended radiation damage to nearby healthy tissue and the biocompatibility of nanoparticles[1][3][4][5]. This entry is not appropriate as a canonical molecular target; rather, it is a therapeutic concept and should not be structured as a molecule, receptor, or gene.

Other names

RadiosensitizationRadiation dose-enhancing agentRadioenhancementRadiotherapy amplification

Physical interaction (increased photoelectric effect and secondary electron emission). Chemical generation of reactive oxygen species. Biological modulation of DNA damage response.