Track-structure modes in particle and heavy ion transport code system (PHITS): application to radiobiological research

Abstract

Purpose

In radiation physics, Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations are powerful tools to evaluate the cellular responses after irradiation. When investigating such radiation-induced biological effects, it is essential to perform track structure simulations by explicitly considering each atomic interaction in liquid water at the sub-cellular and DNA scales. The Particle and Heavy-Ion Transport code System (PHITS) is a Monte Carlo code which enables to calculate track structure at DNA scale by employing the track-structure modes for electrons, protons and carbon ions. In this paper, we review the recent development status and future prospects of the track-structure modes in the PHITS code.

Conclusions

To date, the physical features of these modes have been verified using the available experimental data and Monte Carlo simulation results reported in literature. These track-structure modes can be used for calculating microdosimetric distributions to estimate cell survival and for estimating initial DNA damage yields. The use of PHITS track-structure mode is expected not only to clarify the underlying mechanisms of radiation effects but also to predict curative effects in radiation therapy. The results of PHITS simulations coupled with biophysical models will contribute to the radiobiological studies by precisely predicting radiation-induced biological effects based on the Monte Carlo approach.

Keywords:

• Monte Carlo simulation
• track-structure simulation
• microdosimetry
• DNA damage

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yusuke Matsuya

Yusuke Matsuya, R.T. & Ph.D., is a researcher at Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency and has a Japanese License of radiological technologist.

Takeshi Kai

Takeshi Kai, Ph.D., is a researcher at Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency.

Tatsuhiko Sato

Tatsuhiko Sato, Ph.D., is a researcher at Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency and a specially appointed professor at Research Center for Nuclear Physics, Osaka University.

Tatsuhiko Ogawa

Tatsuhiko Ogawa, Ph.D., is a researcher at Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency.

Yuho Hirata

Yuho Hirata, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral researcher at Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency.

Yuji Yoshii

Yuji Yoshii, Ph.D., is a technical staff at isotope center, Hokkaido University.

Alessio Parisi

Alessio Parisi, Ph.D., is a researcher at Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.

Thiansin Liamsuwan

Thiansin Liamsuwan, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand.