DNA damage spectrum estimated from track structure of heavy ions and its implications for biological consequences

Watanabe, Ritsuko; Sato, Osamu*; Kubota, Asako*; Funabiki, Jun*; Saito, Kimiaki  

The purpose of our study is to estimate the yields and the configuration of radiation-induced DNA damages and further to relate the estimated clustered DNA damage with biological consequences. We have developed the Monte Carlo simulation code system to estimate radiation-induced DNA damage spectrum which starts from detailed track structure by considering the direct and indirect actions in cellular environment for X-rays and heavy ions. In our presentation, the calculated DNA damage spectrum for heavy ions as C ions will be shown. Analysis on the contribution of energy deposition pattern, higher-order structure of DNA, direct and indirect action to the DNA damage spectrum will be also shown. The damage spectrum as a function of LET will be discussed with comparison with experimental data on LET-RBE relationship of cell death.