摘要 |
Herein is described Nanoparticle Enhanced X-ray Therapy (NEXT), which uses nanomaterials as radiosensitizers to enhance electromagnetic radiation absorption in specific cells or tissues. The nanomaterial radiosensitizers emit Auger electrons and generate radicals in response to electromagnetic radiation, which can cause localized damage to DNA or other cellular structures such as membranes. The nanomaterial radiosensitizers contain moieties for specific targeting to molecules or structures in a cell or tissue, and can be functionalized for increased stability and solubility. The nanomaterial radiosensitizers can also be used as detection agents to help in early diagnosis of disease. Together with known techniques such as Computed Tomography or Computerized Axial Tomography (CT or CAT scan), these nanomaterial radiosensitizers could allow early diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and HIV.
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