Preface

Rapid advances in nanosciences along with the tremendous advances in our knowledge in cancer biology over the past few years have spawned applications of nanotechnology in cancer molecular medicine. The unique set of the physical/ chemical properties of nanoparticles, especially in sensing, image guidance, and delivery have attracted researchers and radiation oncologists to recognize its utility in radiation therapy, and the radioprotection of normal tissue. Leveraging the law of photoelectric effect discovered by Albert Einstein, platinum- and gold-based nanoparticles are now in use to increase the efficacy of radiation therapy. By emitting electrons upon activation, these nanoparticles damage bystander cells. Such nanoparticles can be enriched in tumor cells through passive approach such as enhance permeability and retention (EPR) and/or chemically/biologically targeted approaches, where they transform them into intracellular high-energy dose deposit. Thus cancer nanotechnology is rapidly integrating with both fields of diagnostics and radiation therapy. The growing number of clinical trials in these areas under the auspices of various peer-reviewed research bodies is a testament describing the potential of the field of nanotechnology in radiation therapy. The confluence of these two important fields that bridge physics and medicine is quickly making strides in opening new avenues and therapeutic strategies that complement radiation therapy- with a distinct footprint in immunotherapy, adoptive cell therapy, and targeted chemotherapy.