A simple model for calculating relative biological effectiveness of X-rays and gamma radiation in cell survival

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3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of X-rays and γ radiation increases substantially with decreasing beam energy. This trend affects the efficacy of medical applications of this type of radiation. This study was designed to develop a model based on a survey of experimental data that can reliably predict this trend. Methods: In our model, parameters α and β of a cell survival curve are simple functions of the frequency-average linear energy transfer (LF) of delta electrons. The choice of these functions was guided by a microdosimetry-based model. We calculated LF by using an innovative algorithm in which LF is associated with only those electrons that reach a sensitive-to- radiation volume (SV) within the cell. We determined model parameters by fitting the model to 139 measured (α,β) pairs. Results: We tested nine versions of the model. The best agreement was achieved with __ and β being linear functions of LF .The estimated SV diameter was 0.1-1 μm. We also found that α, β, and the α/β ratio increased with increasing LF . Conclusions: By combining an innovative method for calculating LF with a microdosimetric model, we developed a model that is consistent with extensive experimental data involving photon energies from 0.27 keV to 1.25 MeV.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number20190949
JournalBritish Journal of Radiology
Volume93
Issue number1112
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

MD Anderson CCSG core facilities

  • Biostatistics Resource Group

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