Speaker
Summary
The SEGNAR project aims to develop a theranostic system combining gold nanorods (AuNRs) with 99mTc-based radiopharmaceuticals to improve cancer treatment. 99mTc, traditionally used for imaging, is here explored as a therapeutic agent whose Auger and internal conversion (IC) electron emissions can produce highly localized and lethal DNA damage when brought near the cell nucleus. The study uses Monte Carlo simulations in Geant4/Geant4-DNA to model the interaction of 99mTc emissions with tissues and AuNR systems, with and without 99mTc-sestaMIBI. The simulations track low-energy electrons and describe their transport in biological environments. This approach allows evaluation of dose enhancement in different AuNR configurations. To link these physical results to biological effects, the Microdosimetric Kinetic Model (MKM) is extended to include the properties of AuNRs and 99mTc decays and the radiobiological parameters of a specific cell line. This extension enables prediction of lesion yields and cell survival. These results support the development of an optimal AuNR–99mTc system and provide a framework for understanding how the biological effects of 99mTc depend on both the number of 99mTc atoms reaching the cell nucleus and their coordination with the gold nanorods. They also offer a strong basis for upcoming experimental validation and for advancing targeted theranostic strategies in cancer therapy.
| Are you interested/eligible for the Young Session? | Yes, I am eligible and interested in participating |
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