Dosimetry and Radiobiology of Alpha-Particle Emitting Radionuclides

Title:Dosimetry and Radiobiology of Alpha-Particle Emitting Radionuclides

Volume: 11 Issue: 3

Author(s): George Sgouros*, Robert Hobbs and Anders Josefsson

Affiliation:

• The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland,United States

Keywords: Radiopharmaceutical therapy, alpha-particles, treatment planning, DNA damage, relative biological efficacy.

Abstract: Background: Radiopharmaceutical therapy is a cancer treatment modality by which radiation is delivered directly to targeted tumor cells or to their microenvironment. This makes it possible to deliver highly potent alpha-particle radiation. The short-range and highly potent nature of alpha-particles require a dosimetry methodology that considers microscale distributions of the alpha-emitting agent. The high energy deposition density along an alpha-particle track causes a spectrum of DNA lesions. The majority of these are irreparable DNA double-stranded breaks. Accordingly the biologic effects of alpha- particles are largely impervious to the adaptive and resistance mechanism that renders other therapeutics ineffectual.

Objectives: In this review, the radiobiology and dosimetry of alpha-particle emitting radionuclides as related to their use in radiopharmaceutical therapy, are presented.

Conclusion: Alpha-particle emitter radiopharmaceutical therapy is distinguished from other treatment modalities. Its safe clinical use requires an understanding of its unique dosimetry and radiobiology.

Cite this article as:

Sgouros George *, Hobbs Robert and Josefsson Anders , Dosimetry and Radiobiology of Alpha-Particle Emitting Radionuclides, Current Radiopharmaceuticals 2018; 11 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874471011666180426130058