Computational modeling of radiobiological effects in bone metastases for different radionuclides.

PURPOSE Computational simulation is a simple and practical way to study and to compare a variety of radioisotopes for different medical applications, including the palliative treatment of bone metastases. This study aimed to evaluate and compare cellular effects modelled for different radioisotopes currently in use or under research for treatment of bone metastases using computational methods. METHODS Computational models were used to estimate the radiation-induced cellular effects (Virtual Cell Radiobiology algorithm) post-irradiation with selected particles emitted by Strontium-89 (89Sr), Samarium-153 (153Sm), Lutetium-177 (177Lu), and Radium-223 (223Ra). RESULTS Cellular kinetics post-irradiation using 89Sr β- particles, 153Sm β- particles, 177Lu β- particles and 223Ra α particles showed that the cell response was dose- and radionuclide-dependent. 177Lu beta minus particles and, in particular, 223Ra alpha particles, yielded the lowest survival fraction of all investigated particles. CONCLUSIONS 223Ra alpha particles induced the highest cell death of all investigated particles on metastatic prostate cells in comparison to irradiation with β- radionuclides, two of the most frequently used radionuclides in the palliative treatment of bone metastases in clinical routine practice. Moreover, the data obtained suggest that the used computational methods might provide some perception about cellular effects following irradiation with different radionuclides.