Evaluating deposited radiation energy amount and collision quantities of small-molecule radiosensitizers through Monte Carlo simulations

Abstract

This study investigates the photon interaction mechanism of various small molecule radiosensitizers, including Hydrogen Peroxide, Nimorazole, 5-Fluorouracil, NVX-108, and others, using the MCNP 6.3 Monte Carlo simulation code. The simulations focused on quantifying the linear attenuation coefficients, mean free path, and accumulation factors of these radiosensitizers, as well as their interactions in a simulated spherical water phantom irradiated with a 100 keV mono-energetic X-ray source. Our findings reveal significant variations in deposited energy, collision events, and mean free path among the radiosensitizers, indicating different efficacy levels in enhancing radiation therapy. Notably, NVX-108 demonstrated the highest energy deposition, suggesting its potential as a highly effective radiosensitizer. The study also examined the individual attenuation properties of these radiosensitizers against energetic photons, with NVX-108 showing the highest attenuation coefficient and a shorter mean free path, further supporting its superior potential in effective radiosensitization. It can be concluded that NVX-108 has higher interaction tendency with the energetic photons comparing other small-molecules under investigation.

Keywords

• Radiosensitizers
• Radiation therapy
• Monte Carlo simulation
• NVX-108
• Cancer treatment