In 2016 the Cates group published a study on radiocatalytic activity of bismust complex oxides, which have possible application to external beam radiation therapy (EBT) Therein, Bi₂WO₆ nanosheets were found to be most effective at producing radicals under X-ray irradiation due there small size and two dimensional form. Now, a group from Shandong University has improved upon the catalysts with a biocompatible coating and applied the nanosheets to mice tumors. The radiosensitization effect resulted in a two-fold enhancement in dose response. This concept could be used to reduce the radiation dose requirements for EBT, leading to safer therapy.