Toward computer simulation of high-LET in vitro survival curves

Phys Med Biol. 2013 Sep 21;58(18):6495-510. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/58/18/6495. Epub 2013 Sep 3.

Abstract

We developed a Monte Carlo based computer program called MCSC (Monte Carlo Survival Curve) able to predict the survival fraction of cells irradiated in vitro with a broad beam of high linear energy transfer particles. Three types of cell responses are studied: the usual high dose response, the bystander effect and the low-dose hypersensitivity (HRS). The program models the broad beam irradiation and double strand break distribution following Poisson statistics. The progression of cells through the cell cycle is taken into account while the repair takes place. Input parameters are experimentally determined for A549 lung carcinoma cells irradiated with 10 and 20 keV µm(-1) protons, 115 keV µm(-1) alpha particles and for EAhy926 endothelial cells exposed to 115 keV µm(-1) alpha particles. Results of simulations are presented and compared with experimental survival curves obtained for A549 and EAhy296 cells. Results are in good agreement with experimental data for both cell lines and all irradiation protocols. The benefits of MCSC are several: the gain of time that would have been spent performing time-consuming clonogenic assays, the capacity to estimate survival fraction of cell lines not forming colonies and possibly the evaluation of radiosensitivity parameters of given individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Alpha Particles
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Computer Simulation
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Repair
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Histones / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Linear Energy Transfer*
  • Lung Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Poisson Distribution
  • Protons
  • Radiation Tolerance
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • H2AX protein, human
  • Histones
  • Protons