Carbon ion radiotherapy: A review of clinical experiences and preclinical research, with an emphasis on DNA damage/repair

Osama Mohamad, Brock J. Sishc, Janapriya Saha, Arnold Pompos, Asal Rahimi, Michael D. Story, Anthony J. Davis, D. W.Nathan Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

135 Scopus citations

Abstract

Compared to conventional photon-based external beam radiation (PhXRT), carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) has superior dose distribution, higher linear energy transfer (LET), and a higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE). This enhanced RBE is driven by a unique DNA damage signature characterized by clustered lesions that overwhelm the DNA repair capacity of malignant cells. These physical and radiobiological characteristics imbue heavy ions with potent tumoricidal capacity, while having the potential for simultaneously maximally sparing normal tissues. Thus, CIRT could potentially be used to treat some of the most difficult to treat tumors, including those that are hypoxic, radio-resistant, or deep-seated. Clinical data, mostly from Japan and Germany, are promising, with favorable oncologic outcomes and acceptable toxicity. In this manuscript, we review the physical and biological rationales for CIRT, with an emphasis on DNA damage and repair, as well as providing a comprehensive overview of the translational and clinical data using CIRT.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number66
JournalCancers
Volume9
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 9 2017

Keywords

  • Carbon therapy
  • Complex DNA damage
  • DNA repair
  • Hadron therapy
  • Proton therapy
  • Radiation oncology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Carbon ion radiotherapy: A review of clinical experiences and preclinical research, with an emphasis on DNA damage/repair'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this