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New Delhi, Mar 16: A revolutionary study has illuminated the intricate microscopic processes at play during heavy-ion cancer therapy, opening new avenues for enhanced treatment strategies and advancements in radiotherapy technology.
Researchers from the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with international partners, have published their findings in the prestigious journal Physical Review X. This breakthrough sheds light on the effectiveness of heavy-ion therapy, a cutting-edge radiotherapy technique that utilizes high-energy ion beams to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. Since its inception in 1946, over 50,000 patients globally have benefited from this treatment.
“At the same radiation dose, heavy ions exhibit two to three times greater cancer-cell-killing efficiency compared to traditional X-ray therapy,” stated researcher Xu Shenyue from IMP, emphasizing the therapy’s superior efficacy. Heavy-ion therapy induces DNA double-strand breaks in tumor cells, resulting in potent biological effects. However, the precise microscopic mechanism behind this phenomenon has remained elusive until now.
Experiments conducted at the Heavy-Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou, China, provided the crucial breakthrough. Scientists observed, for the first time, an intermolecular energy and proton transfer cascade triggered by heavy-ion irradiation in biomolecular clusters.
“This discovery sheds light on how radiation damages molecules at a microscopic level. It could play a crucial role in optimizing future radiotherapy techniques,” explained researcher Ma Xinwen.
The study represents a significant international collaboration, involving researchers from Russia’s Irkutsk State University, Germany’s Heidelberg University, the University of Science and Technology of China, Xi’an Jiaotong University, and Lanzhou University.
In parallel, another promising development in cancer treatment is underway. Researchers are exploring IgE antibody therapy to combat treatment-resistant breast and ovarian cancers. Unlike traditional IgG-based immunotherapy, which stimulates the immune system against cancer, IgE antibodies have demonstrated potential in enhancing immune response and slowing tumor growth.
Immunotherapy is increasingly favored over chemotherapy and radiation therapy due to its precision in targeting cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. Scientists believe that IgE-based treatments could offer a valuable alternative for patients who do not respond to existing therapies.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided in the given prompt and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as medical advice. The information presented here has not been independently verified, and readers should consult with qualified healthcare professionals for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to their health or treatment. Scientific research is an ongoing process, and results may vary.
