Abstract
Radionuclides that emit Meitner-Auger electrons have great potential for treating cancers for which other treatments are not successful, especially for targeting (or even preventing) disseminated, metastatic cancers. Because of their low energies, Meitner-Auger electrons are deposited within a (sub)micrometre range of their source. As a result, these electrons mostly irradiate the cells in which they are emitted, theoretically leaving non-targeted cells completely unaffected. This tantalising approach to targeted radionuclide therapy was pioneered by Professors James Adelstein and Amin Kassis at Harvard Medical School and has fostered a vibrant research community investigating how Meitner-Auger electron-emitting radionuclides might be used to kill cancer cells and help increase the survival and quality of life of cancer patients. This chapter will (i) highlight a few key advances past and present that have created enthusiasm for the field and (ii) delve into key aspects that need to be considered when creating radionuclide therapies using Meitner-Auger electron-emitters with the highest likelihood of making a clinical impact in future.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Radiopharmaceutical therapy |
| Publisher | Springer |
| Chapter | 20 |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 4 Jul 2023 |
