TH‐E‐214‐01: 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: 1. Basic physical principles 2. Various computational models 3. Correlation of computational results with radiobiological outcomes 4. Technical issues with clinical implementation.