Abstract ID: 17138 Title: Physical Perspective on Radiation Response Modulation of Tumors with Gold Nanoparticles
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) can be fabricated in various shapes and sizes from an inert metal,
gold, that has a long history of medical uses without any noticeable toxicity. Moreover, they can
be accumulated preferentially within tumors by either “passive targeting” through a phenomenon
typically known as “enhanced permeability and retention” or “active targeting” in which GNPs
are conjugated with antibodies or peptides directed against tumor and/or angiogenesis markers.
When infused into tumors, GNPs can alter not only the interaction probability of tumors with
ionizing radiation but also the locations of such interactions within tumors. These mechanisms
have provided a unique strategy to modulate the radiation response of tumors. In recent years,
many computational/in-vitro/in-vivo studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy.
Consequently, there is a reasonably good potential for GNPs, especially bio-conjugated GNPs, to
be introduced into clinical trials as an investigational device rather than as investigational new
drugs, in the near future.
This lecture will provide an overview of GNP-mediated radiation response modulation from a
physical point of view focusing on the following:
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Basic physical principles
Various computational models
Correlation of computational results with radiobiological outcomes
Technical issues with clinical implementation
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