A Model to Realize the Potential of Auger Electrons for Radiotherapy

Abstract

Auger-electron-emitting radioisotopes provide a unique tool that enables the targeted irradiation of a small volume in their immediate vicinity. Over the last forty years, Auger emission has been established as a promising form of molecular radiotherapy, and it has recently made the transition from the laboratory to the clinic. In this paper we review the physical processes of Auger emission in nuclear decay and present a new model being developed to evaluate the energy spectrum of Auger electrons from radioisotopes.