Enhancement of radiation effect by heavy elements

The enhancement of radiobiological effects by heavy elements is reviewed. As an underlying mechanism, Auger effects have been stressed which can be induced via inner-shell photoabsorption or via excitation and/or ionization by secondary electrons. Latter channel of Auger induction expands the applicability of Auger enhancing phenomena to electron and hadron therapy. After discussion on the required characteristics for radiosensitizers, possibility of nanoparticles of Au or Pt is mentioned since they could be synthesized or modified as ideal radiosensitizers. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.