ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the effectiveness of gold nanoparticle-assisted radiation therapy (RT). Gold nanoparticles have larger atomic radius than gold atoms and thus should have stronger radiation enhanced effect than the gold atom. The optothermal properties and biological targeting abilities of gold nanoparticles are much more promising in hyperthermic treatment. Different functional groups can be attached to gold nanoparticles such as thiol, peptides, and antibodies to increase therapeutic index. Remarkable physicochemical properties and customizable surface of gold nanoparticles make them an immensely potential candidate for cancer therapy. RT is the clinical and scientific discipline in which high-energy ionizing radiation is used to eliminate masses of cancer cells, through mitotic death or apoptosis. In RT the dose delivered by ionizing radiation can be enhanced in the presence of radio-modifying materials in cancer cells. Thus, the primary goal of RT is to maximize the probability of tumor control while at the same time minimize complication to the normal tissue.
