The Role of High-Energy Ion-Atom/Molecule Collisions in Radiotherapy

The need for ions in radiotherapy stems from the most favorable localization of the largest energy deposition, precisely at the tumor site with small energy losses away from the target. Such a dose conformity to the target is due to heavy masses of ions that scatter predominantly in the forward direction and lose maximal energy mainly near the end of their path in the vicinity of the Bragg peak. The heavy masses of nuclei preclude noticeable multiple scattering of the primary ion beam. This occurrence is responsible for only about 30% of ion efficiency in killing tumor cells. However, ionization of targets by fast ions yields electrons that might be of sufficient energy to produce further radiation damage. These δ−electrons, alongside radicals produced by ion-water collisions, can accomplish the remaining 70% of tumor cell eradication. Electrons achieve this chiefly through multiple scattering due to their small mass. Therefore, energy depositions by both heavy (nuclei) and light (electrons) particles as well as highly reactive radicals need to be simultaneously transported in Monte Carlo simulations. This threefold transport of particles is yet to be developed for the existing Monte Carlo codes. Critical to accomplishing this key goal is the availability of accurate cross section databases. To this end, the leading continuum distorted wave methodologies are poised to play a pivotal role in predicting energy losses of ions in tissue as discussed in this work.