Assessment of Single-and Double-Strand Breaks in DNA Induced by Auger Electrons of Radioisotopes Used in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

INTRODUCTION: Most of the radionuclides that are used for diagnostic purposes emit Auger electrons and can thus cause damage to the DNA molecule on a nanometer scale. Therefore, the nanodosimetric calculation of these radioisotopes is necessary to achieve better understanding on their effects. AIM: The aim of this study was to calculate the mean number of DNA strand breaks (single-strand breaks and double-strand breaks) caused by direct and indirect effects for six widely used Auger electron-emitting diagnostic radioisotopes, including (123)I, (125)I, (99m)Tc, (67)Ga, (201)Tl, (111)In and two therapeutic radioisotopes of (131)I(beta + Auger + CK emitter) and (211)At(alpha + Auger + CK emitter). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Geant4-DNA simulation tool was used to evaluate the effects of Auger electrons, beta and alpha particles of these radioisotopes on DNA molecules. Two different DNA molecule geometric models were simulated and the results of these two models were compared with each other as well as with the results of previous studies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results showed that the geometric shape of the sugar-phosphate groups may have a significant effect on the number of single-strand breaks (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs) of the DNA molecule. Among the most widely used diagnostic radioisotopes, (201)Tl and (125)I, had the greatest impact on the number of SSBs and DSBs, respectively, while therapeutic radioisotope of (131)I almost had no effect, therapeutic radioisotope of (211)At had the moderate effect on the number of breaks in the DNA chain.