Clustering effects in nanoparticle-enhanced β- emitting internal radionuclide therapy: a Monte Carlo study

Phys Med Biol. 2020 Jun 15;65(12):125007. doi: 10.1088/1361-6560/ab8079.

Abstract

We investigate the effects of an increase in the production of secondary electrons when a β - source commonly used in internal radionuclide therapy, 67Cu, is radiolabelled to a super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION), with specific emphasis on the role of SPION cluster size and geometry. A positive relationship is found between the degree to which the nanoparticles are clustered and the associated radio-enhancement effects, with cluster population size playing a major role, as well as SPION separation within a cluster and the distance between clusters. Our simulation results indicate that SPIONs labelled with 67Cu can induce a nonlinear amplification in the number of secondary electrons produced of up to 4% in bulk, with localised regions of nearer inter-SPION separation producing an increase of over 400% for a 20 nm average SPION separation. Such variation in enhancement due to local concentration effects may help identify clinical strategies that enhance efficacy for a given radiation dosage, or achieve equal efficacy with reduced radiation dosage.

MeSH terms

  • Beta Particles / therapeutic use*
  • Copper Radioisotopes / therapeutic use*
  • Heavy Ion Radiotherapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles / therapeutic use*
  • Monte Carlo Method

Substances

  • Copper Radioisotopes