Linking Microdosimetric Measurements to Biological Effectiveness in Ion Beam Therapy: A Review of Theoretical Aspects of MKM and Other Models

Different qualities of radiation are known to cause different biological effects at the same absorbed dose. Enhancements effectiveness a direct consequence energy deposition clustering scales DNA molecule and cell nucleus whilst dose is macroscopic averaged quantity which does not take into account heterogeneities nanometer micrometer scales. Microdosimetry aims measure quality cellular or sub-cellular levels trying increase understanding damage mechanisms effects. Existing microdosimeters rely on well-established gas-based detectors more recent solid-state devices. They provide specific z spectra other derived quantities as lineal ( y ) assessed level. The interpretation radio-biological experimental data in framework models has raised interest various investigations have been performed link vitro vivo radiobiological outcomes with observed microdosimetric data. A review major based microdosimetry, particular focus ion beam therapy applications an emphasis kinetic model (MKM), will be presented this work, enlightening advantages each one terms accuracy, initial assumptions, agreement MKM used predict kinds such relative for inactivation oxygen enhancement ratio. Recent developments also presented, including new non-Poissonian correction approaches high linear transfer radiation, inclusion partial repair fractionation studies, extension non-targeted We explore improving by track structure spatial correlation information, using full fluence spectrum better accounting energy-deposition fluctuations intra- inter-cellular