Modeling for predicting survival fraction of cells after ultra-high dose rate irradiation

Abstract

Objective. FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) with ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) irradiation (i.e. > 40 Gy s−1) spares the function of normal tissues while preserving antitumor efficacy, known as the FLASH effect. The biological effects after conventional dose rate-radiotherapy (CONV-RT) with ≤0.1 Gy s−1 have been well modeled by considering microdosimetry and DNA repair processes, meanwhile modeling of radiosensitivities under UHDR irradiation is insufficient. Here, we developed an integrated microdosimetric-kinetic (IMK) model for UHDR-irradiation enabling the prediction of surviving fraction after UHDR irradiation. Approach. The IMK model for UHDR-irradiation considers the initial DNA damage yields by the modification of indirect effects under UHDR compared to CONV dose rate. The developed model is based on the linear-quadratic (LQ) nature with the dose and dose square coefficients, considering the reduction of DNA damage yields as a function of dose rate. Main results. The estimate by the developed model could successfully reproduce the in vitro experimental dose–response curve for various cell line types and dose rates. Significance. The developed model would be useful for predicting the biological effects under the UHDR irradiation.