The biological effects induced by high-charged and energy particles and its application in cancer therapy

Abstract

The radiobiological effects of high atomic number and energy (HZE par cles) ion beams are of interest for radioprotec on in space and tumor radiotherapy. Space radia on mainly consists of heavy charged par cles from protons to iron ions, which is dis nct from common terrestrial forms of radia on. HZE par cles pose a significant cancer risk to astronauts on prolonged space missions. With high delivered energies and intense ioniza on, HZE par cles can damage not only the biological systems but also the shielding materials. HZE par cles are more effec ve than low-LET radia on like γor X-rays to induce gene c muta on and cancer. On Earth, similar ions are being used for targeted cancer therapy due to the advantage of the inverse dose profile, with delivering higher doses to the tumor while keeping lower doses to the surrounding ssues. In this review, we focus on the recent insights into the biological effects caused by HZE par cles and the corresponding mechanism. We also discuss the current applica on of HZE par cle in cancer therapy. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the repair of DNA damage induced by HZE par cles contribute to accurately es mate the risks to human health associated with HZE par cle exposure and to improve the effec veness of tumor radiotherapy.