Implications of Single-Particle Experiments for Track Theory, Therapy and Radiation Protection

Authors

Robert Katz, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Francis Cucinotta, NASA Johnson Space CenterFollow

Date of this Version

2002

Comments

Published in RADIATION RESEARCH 158, 365–385 (2002).

Abstract

‘‘Because the predominant exposure of cells in humans is to single isolated tracks, a critical question is what effects a single track is capable of producing and with what probabilities.’’ ‘‘Most of the current biophysical models. . . make the clear prediction that a single track can produce virtually all of the detrimental stochastic effects of interest.’’ ‘‘But one model, in particular (the amorphous track model of Katz and coworkers), disagrees fundamentally that a single low LET track has the ability to cause the cellular changes.’’ ‘‘This model leads to very dramatic differences in the predicted risk at low doses. . . ’’ ‘‘Because of the very major implications this would have if true, there may be strong grounds for critical evaluation of the model’’ (1).