Molecular and cellular radiobiology of heavy ions

Journal Article · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(82)90554-5· OSTI ID:5145808

Tobias, C A; Blakely, E A; Alpen, E L; Castro, J R; Ainsworth, E J; Curtis, S B; Ngo, F Q.H.; Rodriguez, A; Roots, R J; Tenforde, T

Quantitative studies at the BEVALAC have demonstrated some of the physical and radiobiological factors that promise to make accelerated heavy ions important for the therapy of cancer. The measured physical dose-biological effect relationships allow the safe and effective delivery of therapeutic schedules of heavy ions. Among the charged particle beams available, carbon, neon and helium ions in the ''extended Bragg peak mode'' have optimal physical and biological effectiveness for delivery of therapy to deep seated tumors. The depth-dose profiles of these beams protect intervening and adjacent tissues as well as tissues beyond the range of the particles. For the treatment of hypoxic tumors, silicon and argon beams are being considered because they significantly depress the radiobiological oxygen effect in the region of the extended Bragg ionization peak. The depth-effectiveness of the argon beam is somewhat limited, however, because of primary particle fragmentation. Silicon beams have a depth-dose profile which is intermediate between that of neon and argon, and are candidates to become the particle of choice for maximizing high LET particle effects. Heavy accelerated ions depress enzymatic repair mechanisms, decrease variations of radiosensitivity during the cell division cycle, cause greater than expected delays in cell division, and decrease the protective effects of neighboring cells in organized systems. Near the Bragg peak, enhancement of heavy particle effects are observed in split dose schedules. Late and carcinogenic effects are being studied. With the newly developed Repair-Misrepair theory we can quantitatively model most observations.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 5145808
• Journal Information: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 8:12; ISSN IOBPD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACCELERATORS
ARGON IONS
BEAMS
BEVALAC
BIOLOGICAL RECOVERY
BIOLOGICAL REPAIR
BIOLOGY
BRAGG CURVE
CARBON 12 BEAMS
CELL CYCLE
CHARGED PARTICLES
CYCLIC ACCELERATORS
DEPTH DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS
DIAGRAMS
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
HEAVY IONS
HELIUM IONS
ION BEAMS
IONS
NEON IONS
OXYGEN ENHANCEMENT RATIO
RADIATION DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS
RADIOBIOLOGY
RBE
RECOVERY
REPAIR
SILICON IONS
SPATIAL DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS